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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 15, 2023
Jeff Johnston, EGLE Public Information Officer, JohnstonJ14@Michigan.gov, 517-231-9304
Cory Connolly, Michigan Climate and Energy Advisor, ConnollyC3@Michigan.gov, 517-881-8972
Michigan seeks input on bold steps to advance clean energy economy by tapping into billions in federal funding, helping businesses invest, and meeting the state’s climate goals
Feedback due Jan. 31 on program to leverage financing for clean energy projects from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office
The State of Michigan is inviting input on a historic opportunity to leverage significant federal financing for clean energy generation and infrastructure, economic development, supplier retooling and diversification, and other related projects in Michigan. Billions of dollars in federal loans and loan guarantees are available to invest in climate- and energy-related projects through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO). Michigan is committed to fully decarbonize the state’s economy by 2050 and generate 100% of the state’s power from clean sources by 2040.
Several state departments, including the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), are assessing the need for a State Energy Finance Institution (SEFI) that would unlock federal loans and loan guarantees not otherwise available. The financing would support public and private clean energy and emissions-reducing projects and clean energy businesses in the state. Input on projects that span more than one community or beyond Michigan boundaries are also welcome. These dollars will align with the implementation of the MI Healthy Climate Plan and the recent clean energy legislation signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
View further background on the LPO and its SEFI program in the related Request for Information overview.
Request for Information EGLE has initiated a Request for Information (RFI) that aims to solicit initial feedback on a SEFI program that would help finance major clean energy and other emission-reducing projects in Michigan. This RFI is for input on the need for, and potential design of, a SEFI program.
You can download a PDF of the RFI questions or fill out the online form. The RFI contains sections for feedback on:
- Program design.
- Interest and need around the program.
- Projects such a program could support.
Responses must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. Submit written responses via one of the following:
- Online form.
- Email to EGLE-OCE@Michigan.gov with subject line “SEFI R”
- Regular U.S. mail to:
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Executive Office
Office of Climate and Energy
P.O. Box 30473
Lansing, MI 48909-7973
Who should respond: The RFI is intended for anyone planning to invest in clean energy and looking for attractive financing options or with ideas for moving the state forward in deploying clean energy and expanding the clean energy economy at scale. This includes:
- Businesses of all sizes.
- Economic development organizations.
- Local units of government and community leaders.
- Community organizations.
- Financial institutions, including community development financial institutions.
- Energy infrastructure owners and developers.
- Public institutions, including but not limited to universities and colleges.
EGLE is also seeking input on other work surrounding the MI Healthy Climate Plan. Check out our other public requests below and visit EGLE’s MI Healthy Climate Plan hub.
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Share your input on the creation of a program to support Michigan Justice40 communities in securing funding for climate and energy initiatives, including climate mitigation and pollution reduction projects in your communities. Justice40 is the federal government and State of Michigan’s commitment that at least 40% of the benefits from climate- and energy-related investments will flow to disadvantaged communities. Submit your comments by Dec. 31.
- Support the development of the state’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Priority Climate Action Plan and submit your project ideas to help achieve the key strategies supporting the MI Healthy Climate Plan. To complete the Climate Action Plan for upcoming competitive federal funding, EGLE is prioritizing reduction measures for projects that can be implemented in the near term with a high greenhouse gas reduction impact. Submit your projects by Dec. 20.
Las personas que necesiten asistencia lingüística o adaptaciones para participar de forma efectiva deberán ponerse en contacto con Joel Roseberry (517-599-9494, RoseberryJ@Michigan.gov) para recibir asistencia.
على من يحتاج لمساعدة لغوية أو غيرها من المساعدات الخاصة الاتصال بجويل روزبيري للحصول على هذه المساعدة عبر البريد الإلكتروني roseberryj@michigan.gov أو عبر الهاتف (9494-599-517)
EGLE promotes the equitable treatment and meaningful involvement of Michigan’s residents regarding the development, implementation, and enforcement of laws, regulations, and policies. Equitable treatment means that no group of people bears a disproportionate share of the negative consequences resulting from governmental, industrial, or commercial operations and policies. Meaningful involvement means all people have an opportunity to participate in decisions that affect their environment and/or health.
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