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January 2024

By the numbers: MI Healthy Climate Plan progress

One year ago, in her January 2023 State of the State address, Governor Gretchen Whitmer rallied Michiganders to the cause of climate action with the words, “Let’s get it done!” Much has happened since then. The first full calendar year since the MI Healthy Climate Plan (MHCP) rolled out in April 2022 saw many of the plan’s goals codified in legislation and advanced through executive actions. With unprecedented climate investments from federal and state sources, Michigan is positioned better than ever to fulfill the MHCP for the benefit of all Michiganders. The MHCP’s overarching goal is a healthy, prosperous, carbon-neutral Michigan for all residents by 2050. Specifically, its objectives are to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, spur economic development and create good-paying jobs, protect and improve the health of Michiganders, position Michigan as a leader in climate action, safeguard our natural resources and wildlife, make Michigan energy independent, and address environmental injustice. The new MHCP 2023 Report details the productive past year in Michigan climate action.

Reminder to submit your feedback on program to leverage financing from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office

We want your 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 Loan Programs Office. Share your input for the creation of a State of Michigan State Energy Finance Institution program to leverage this funding for major clean energy projects in Michigan.

Submit your comments by January 31.

U.S. EPA Community Change Grants

The U.S. EPA recently launched its Community Change Grants program, a $2 billion competition and one of the single biggest federal opportunities centered on benefitting disadvantaged communities through projects to reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community response capacity. Eligible applicants include at least two community based non-profit organizations (CBOs) or a partnership between a CBO and one or more of the following: a Federally Recognized Tribe, a local government, and/or an institution of higher education.

For more information, EGLE hosted a Jan. 10 Webinar and panel with technical assistance providers. You can view the recording here. 

Additional Resources:  

• Community Change Grants Program webpage  
• Community Change Grants Program Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)  
• EPA’s Community Change Grants Program Technical Assistance  
• Community Change Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity (PDF)  
• EPN’s Suggested Six-Step Guide for EPA’s Community Change Grants 

Last call for applications!

EGLE is offering grants to eligible entities to strategically deploy EV charging infrastructure supporting EV tourism along the Lake Michigan coastline. 
Round 1 applications are due by 5:00 PM (ET) on January 31.

Learn how you can help accelerate EV adoption. 

MI Healthy Climate news

• Michigan Green Communities Annual Challenge is open, with new Platinum-level certification
• WXYZ Spotlight on the News: Inside Michigan's climate health
  (2023 Annual Report)
• Michigan targets clean electricity and faster permitting
• The 2023 MI Healthy Climate Plan Report is out
• Time yet to apply to dozens of climate-focused gigs across Michigan this year
• Clean-powered buses on the way for Michigan schools, fueled by grants
• Michigan hopes community groups can get piece of $2B climate justice fund
• Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help Michigan school districts buy clean and electric school buses
• Michigan blazes a trail in federal climate investments and transformative clean energy policy
• Seeking next generation of climate leaders to join the first cohort of the Michigan Healthy Climate Corps Program!
• 200 orphan oil and gas wells plugged in 2023 by Michigan regulators
• MPSC posts request for proposals for $21.3M renewable energy and electrification grants

Upcoming events

• Now through mid-March, 2024
  Fifth National Climate Assessment Webinar Series
• February 13-14
  Virtual Michigan Materials Management Conference
• February 21, 11:00 AM
  Catalyst Communities Webinar Series: Part 2 of 3-Part Mini-series - Climate and Health Adaptation Planning: A Health in All Policies Approach
• May 16-17, Lansing
  MI Healthy Climate Conference (registration opens in February)

Visit Michigan.gov/Climate for more information.

Follow @MichiganEGLE and the #MiHealthyClimate conversation on X.