Detroit News published Michael Weiss and Laura Sherman's opinion piece on how Gov. Whitmer has a once-in-a-generation chance to revolutionize the state’s energy and automobile sector. Read snippets below and the full article here.
With the reelection of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan has a once-in-a-generation chance to revolutionize the state’s energy and automobile sector. Whitmer should use her second term to maximize federal funding and incentives from the Inflation Reduction Acts and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to reduce energy costs for Michigan residents and fulfill the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
At the same time, Michigan can use these unprecedented investments to expand on its position as a world leader in automobile production with the tremendous growth in the electric vehicle industry and continue growing the broader advanced energy industry in the state. Michigan policymakers have had success recently in bringing manufacturing back to the U.S...
Michigan has become one of the best states for employment in clean energy industries, as shown by the recent Clean Jobs Midwest report, which found that Michigan had nearly 120,000 clean energy jobs, more than any other state in the Midwest on a per capita basis...
But even with this remarkable progress, there is more work to be done. The Inflation Reduction Acts has billions of dollars in competitive grants, tax credits and rebates that can further develop Michigan’s advanced energy manufacturing industry. Employers, both those already in the state and those who may move jobs to Michigan, will need help from the governor and Legislature to fully seize these opportunities.
There is also massive potential for Michigan to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and move faster toward clean energy, a goal that is more important than ever in this time of quickly rising fuel costs...
The best part of all these investments is that they will stay in Michigan as the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act create jobs and training opportunities that cannot be outsourced. Whether it is the new jobs in an automotive plant making electric vehicles, installers putting up solar panels on a rooftop or technicians weatherizing a family’s homes, Michigan residents can have the confidence that these jobs will stay in Michigan...
Michigan lawmakers and Gov. Whitmer’s administration now have the opportunity to ensure that the energy future really benefits all Michigan residents with cleaner, cheaper energy solutions, efficient homes, more job opportunities and economic development. Let’s work together to make Michigan a national and international leader in the new clean energy revolution.
Read the full article here.