Press Release | October 16, 2023

Although backed by widespread public support, strong climate legislation is at risk of stalling, or falling to further weakened standards, due to the corrosive influence of big utility money in Lansing.

Oliver Milman in Mackinaw City, Michigan / The Guardian

Tribes say Line 5 is a ‘ticking time bomb’ for the Great Lakes, which contain a fifth of the Earth’s surface fresh water, and risks destroying their relationship with land and water

With generous support from the Colina Foundation, MiCAN eagerly launched this year's edition of the Michigan Climate Champion Awards to recognize individuals doing exceptional work to address the climate crisis in Michigan, with a theme of Ending the Era of Fossil Fuels.

Meet the Winners

Given our regular engagement with the breadth of our network, we understand and appreciate the importance of recognizing both professional advocates who are achieving great things in our state, as well as volunteers who do not get paid to do this work and youth leaders driving change.

1. The Climate Champion Award goes to a professional doing exceptional climate and justice work for an organization, a municipality, or business in Michigan;
2. The Climate Action Award is awarded to an individual doing exceptional climate and justice work as a volunteer for an organization in Michigan. This award recipient receives a $1,000 prize for a non-profit of their choice; and,
3. The Young Climate Leader Award goes to a student or youth doing exceptional work as a volunteer or individual. This award recipient is granted a $1,000 prize.

The Theme: While MiCAN's approach is to focus on the positive solutions to move forward in the renewable energy economy, we recognize that the first, most logical step in addressing the climate crisis is to shut off the "faucet," eliminating our reliance on fossil fuels. The 2023 awards theme was "Ending the Era of Fossil Fuels," aimed at honoring anyone working on utility campaigns and/or dismantling the infrastructure that supports fossil fuels: coal plants, oil pipelines, etc. Please know we prefer to remain less prescriptive about nominee credentials; if there is a creative connection between a candidate and the criteria, we love to learn about it.

Deadline: We're sorry, the nomination window has now passed. Keep your candidates in mind for next year, and help us congratulate this year's recipients!

Nominations are accepted starting in September, and winners are selected by MiCAN staff and a selection of steering committee members to be announced during our Winter Members' Meeting. This is an annual award, and new themes will be chosen for 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Establish Michigan as a Climate Leader

Michigan takes first step toward leading the way with clean energy legislation

In November 2023, the Michigan Legislature took a leap forward with the passage of a landmark, six-bill policy package that reduces barriers to a more robust renewable energy portfolio, expands regulatory authority for utility accountability, and helps consumers save energy at home. Only the 11th state to bring such legislation to reality, Michigan laid the foundation for true renewable energy leadership, despite a long road still ahead for real and equitable climate solutions.

See below a legislative summary by bill, compiled by Acuitas, and for further reading, check out this breakdown by our partners at Michigan Environmental Council.

Moving Michigan Forward: Holding the Applause Despite Your Mountain of Support

To enact lasting, generational change and establish Michigan as a climate leader, keep the state competitive, and implement the MI Healthy Climate Plan, we need bold policies that address renewable, affordable, reliable, and equitable power production. For months, we fought for those policies, and we asked all of you – as citizens, businesses, school personnel, public officials – to sign on and show up to demonstrate to our legislators the broad and durable public support that exists for the renewable energy economy. We are grateful to everyone who stuck with us in advocating for the strongest energy legislation possible.

In coalition with pro-clean energy partners from across the state, MiCAN called for passage of the key goals outlined in the Clean Energy Future Plan (see right), intended to clean Michigan's power sector rapidly, affordably, and reliably – but not without additional environmental justice considerations as defined by the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition. Our grassroots campaign helped garner almost 500 attendees to the Clean Energy Future Day of Action at the Capitol, yielded 426 signatures for the legislative Plan (below left), and gained 177 supporters in solidarity with our climate justice partners (below right).

But, shortly after our impressive turnout on the Capitol lawn in Lansing, pressure from big utilities quickly corroded our progress. Lawmakers landed on significantly watered down drafts of the original bills.

What we have gained, as of early November 2023, after the Michigan House passed a revised version of the Senate package, are standards that would require at least 60% renewable energy by 2035, increases the cap on distributed energy from 1% to 10%, and requires the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to take climate, justice, affordability, and health into account when considering utilities future plans. Additionally, House Bills 5120-5123 would change the approval process for large wind and solar arrays, shifting authority from local government to the MPSC.

So, why aren't we celebrating? MiCAN’s strategic plan calls for dramatic declines in disparities in environmental burdens, and commits us to equitable solutions that uplift the voices of the most impacted. All three major environmental justice groups have opposed the substance of the package and raise serious procedural justice concerns. We concur with their stance against the false solutions included – like biogas from factory farms, waste incineration, nuclear energy, and natural gas with carbon capture – in the problematic definition of 100% ‘clean’ energy by 2040. And, we will continue to support policies that still await legislative attention, like enabling widespread community solar so that all Michiganders can benefit from renewable energy. 

With so many left behind, and so much not included, we invite everyone to join us in building and mobilizing an inclusive network that establishes Michigan as a climate leader without sacrificing any communities within.

Thank you for signing in support of the strongest possible energy bill package in Michigan. Our strength in numbers is what makes a successful movement!

Can You Do More?

Our colleagues at MLCV have created a link where you can send an email directly to your state legislators in support of the Clean Energy Future Plan.

Join MiCAN in Lansing on September 26

Join us in making a big showing in Lansing for a Clean Energy Future Day of Action on September 26th. The event is an infusion of fun – think food trucks, music, a festival-style gathering – and fact. Have you been awaiting the moment you can finally catch your lawmaker's ear? This is your chance to let them know exactly why our state's renewable energy economy should be an utmost priority.

The day prior, on September 25th, we’re convening MiCAN constituents for our fall Members Meeting so that together, we may perfect our most pertinent talking points. (You and your organization or business can become a MiCAN member today for free!) If getting to Lansing presents an undue burden, we offer travel stipends to MiCAN members upon request. The more, the merrier – this is your moment to represent the movement!

Share This Action

Please share this action by using the links and buttons below.

2023 Michigan Climate Summit

June 2, 2023  |  Oakland University

QUICK LINKS

• Schedule-at-a-Glance
• Photo Gallery
• News Coverage
• Past Summits: 
  • 2022 - Traverse City and virtual
  • 2021 - Virtual
  • 2020 (canceled due to COVID-19) - Ann Arbor
  • 2019 - Grand Rapids

2023 THEME

Addressing the climate crisis calls for social action guided by science, informed by values, and fueled by emotional engagement. This year, in addition to science and policy, we convened even more movement makers and connected to the broader cultural work of artists, storytellers, educators, and activists. The vision we achieved was an accessible, interactive, and fun day focused on increasing our collective capacity, supporting each other, and unleashing the creative potential of the climate movement to transform culture.

LIVE STORYTELLING EVENING: TALES FROM HEAT ISLAND

To get in the Summit spirit of "Sharing Our Stories", on the evening leading into our event, Here:Say Storytelling staged a show at the Crofoot in Pontiac, MI. The live storytelling show was hosted by Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities and featured true experiences of climate impacts told on stage by performers from all walks of life. Listen to the moving recording of Tales From Heat Island >

SUMMIT SPEAKERS & RECORDINGS

Denise Keele, Ph. D.
Director, Michigan Climate Action Network

April Clobes
CEO, Oakland University Credit Union

President Ora Pescovitz
Oakland University

Jeffrey Insko
Professor of English and Coordinator of American Studies, Oakland University

Graham Cassano
Associate Professor of Sociology, Oakland University

Cory Connolly
Climate and Energy Advisor
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)

Regina Strong
Environmental Justice Public Advocate
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)

Hudson Villenueve - Moderator
Federal Government Affairs Coordinator, Michigan League of Conservation Voters

State Representative Abraham Aiyash (D-MI-9)
Majority Floor Leader

State Senator Rosemary Bayer (D-MI-13)
Energy & Environment Committee

State Representative Dylan Wegela (D-MI-26)

State Senator Sue Shink (D-MI-14)
Energy & Environment Committee

Liv Rollinger - Moderator
Climate & Clean Energy Specialist, Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities

Lake Liao
Sunrise Movement Troy; Incoming freshman at Princeton University

Anna Kavanaugh
Environmental Engineering Junior at Michigan Technological University

Perla Guerrero
SPROUTS; Environmental Justice Group at Congress of Communities

Richard (RJ) Card
West Bloomfield High School EARTH Club Diversity Chair

 

Ellis Walton - Moderator
Associate Attorney, Environmental Law & Policy Center

Sean McBrearty
Clean Water Action; Campaign Manager, Oil & Water Don't Mix

Beth Wallace
National Wildlife Federation

Jeffrey Insko
Professor of English and Coordinator of American Studies, Oakland University

Kathleen Brosemer
Ph. D. Candidate in Energy and Environmental Policy, Michigan Technological University

 

Bill Latka - Room Moderator
Founder & Chief Storyteller, Storylicious

Peter Sinclair
Michigan-based videographer specializing in climate change and renewable energy issues

Mike Buza
Chair - Sierra Club: Nepessing Group
Chair - Legislative Committee: Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club

Brendan Miller
Michigan Field Director, Land and Liberty Coalition

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed
Director of the Department of Health, Human, and Veteran Services for Wayne County

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed - Moderator
Director of the Department of Health, Human, and Veteran Services for Wayne County

Lisa DelBuono - Co-Moderator
Executive Director, Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action

Laura Carter Robinson, Psy.D.
Clinical psychologist, Humanity&Planet; Executive Committee, Climate Psychology Alliance of North America

Sue Anne Bell
University of Michigan School of Nursing

Donna Givens Davidson
President and CEO of the Eastside Community Network

Dr. Porsche Fischer, MA, MS, Doctor of Human Services

Education and Evaluation Manager, Center for Health & Community Impact, Wayne State University

Jeffrey Insko - Moderator
Professor of English and Coordinator of American Studies, Oakland University

Elena Lioubimtseva
Professor of Geography and Sustainable Planning, Co-founder and coordinator of Climate Change Education Solutions Network, Grand Valley State University

Eileen Boekestein
Environmental Education Coordinator, Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)

Riley Justis
Chief Operating Officer, Take Action Global

Jennifer Tianen (McQuillan)
English Teacher and Founder of the West Bloomfield High School Literary Garden

Brian Deyo
Associate Professor, Department of English Language and Literature, Grand Valley State University

Karen (Kabie) Stein - Interactive Workshop Facilitator
Creative Director & Producer, Here:Say Storytelling

Learn how to tell your own story to inspire change, incite empathy, and motivate action.

Tina Catron - Moderator
Michigan Field Consultant, EDF Action

Erin Quetell
Chief Environmental Sustainability Officer, Oakland County Office of Sustainability

Andrew Sarpolis
Senior Field Organizer, Sierra Club, and Turn Oakland County Green

Analicia Hazelby
Chapter Leader, Greater Detroit Chapter Citizens Climate Lobby

Kimathi Booth
Climate Justice Co-Chair, North Oakland Branch of the NAACP

Woody Gontina
Vice Chair, Royal Oak Environmental Advisory Board

Brendan Mortensen-Seguin - Moderator
MiCAN intern and rising junior at Western Michigan University

Alison Martin
Student at Western Michigan University; Director of Sustainability for the Western Michigan Student Association

Aaeshah Siddiqui
Social Work student at Oakland University; Organizer for Public Citizen

Taryn Indish
Student at Northwestern Michigan College; Northern Michigan Regional Organizer for Michigan League of Conservation Voters

Dominique Campbell - Interactive Workshop Facilitator
Musician & Cultural Organizer

Discover how to tap into your own creativity to mobilize a movement through cultural and community organizing.

Ellen Vial - Moderator
Engagement & Coalitions Manager, Michigan Environmental Council

Michelle Jones
Soulardarity

Kamau Clark
Southeast MI Lead Organizer, We The People

Rafael Mojica
Program Director, Soulardarity

Victoria Stewart - Moderator
Director of Advocacy and Outreach, Michigan League of Conservation Voters

Marnese Jackson
Co-Director, Community Engagement & Equity, Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition

April Lindala, Ph. D.
Professor and Director (2007-2019), Center for Native American Studies, Northern Michigan University

Terra Bielby
Legislative Aide to Alabas Farhat

Monica Lewis-Patrick
President & CEO, We The People of Detroit

PLANNING COMMITTEE

Marshall Clabeaux, Michigan Mosaic Energy Cooperative; Dr. Jeffrey Insko, Oakland University; Bentley Johnson, Michigan League of Conservation Voters; Michelle Jones, Soulardarity; Bill Latka, Storylicious; Colleen Ludwig, Summit Art Director, Oakland University; Brendan Mortensen-Seguin, Western Michigan University; Frank Provenzano, Oakland University; Liv Rollinger, Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities; Ashley Rudzinski, Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities; Andrew Sarpolis, Sierra Club, Turn Oakland County Green; Jeff Smith, Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities; Ellen Vial, Michigan Environmental Council; Hudson Villeneuve, Michigan League of Conservation Voters

Written by Payton Bucki and Chloe Kukuk.

“Climate change isn’t really a scientific problem. It’s an imaginative problem,” said OU Professor Jeffrey Insko. “What we need are new ways of living, new ways of being in relation with the more-than-human world and with one another."

Broad coalition of groups testifies in support of a historic clean energy and climate package before the state Senate Energy and Environment Committee

Legislature inks budget that fights pollution, grows clean energy jobs, saves Michiganders money

If anything, we should be blaming fossil fuel companies for the climate-worsened wildfires filling U.S. air with smoke. Written by Arielle Samuelson and Emily Atkin on June 8, 2023.

Alan Taub, engineering professor and former auto executive, will direct the state-funded center. Written by Nicole Casal Moore of U-M's College of Engineering on April 27, 2023.

The Community Voices Series is a virtual convening drawing diverse participants from the network to amplify local climate work, connect members and groups, and support each other's actions. MiCAN rotates the content and geographical area of focus to allow the audience to learn from and mimic other Michigan communities' successful contributions to the collective climate movement.

Upcoming Event

May 2024 | Van Buren Climate Action Team

Catch the Van Buren Climate Action Team (VBCAT) on Wednesday, May 22nd at 6 p.m. VBCAT is a group of individuals with a common mission to advance their community toward a more prosperous, more equitable, more secure, cleaner energy future. Tune in to hear about their guiding principles and how they help hasten Van Buren's progress toward renewable energy.

Register Here

Past Events

April 2024 | Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice

Climate and Energy Justice Lead Andrew Kaplowitz (they/he) of Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice (DWEJ) shed light on environmental and public health issues faced by Detroit residents, and how DWEJ's dedicated activists, advocates, organizers, artists and storytellers seek to address them through community and policy action that values all people.

Sign up to keep up with DWEJ here, support the group's efforts here, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter!

View Recording >>

February 2024 | Ann Arbor for Public Power (A2P2)

A2P2 Board President Greg Woodring and Board Member Michelle Deatrick led an important conversation about the growing movement for public power in Ann Arbor and across the country. A2P2 is fighting for a 100% renewable, public-owned electric utility which will enable affordable, reliable energy for all, an urgent transition to safe renewable energy, and a just transition with no worker or community left behind. Among the questions discussed: What are the barriers? How will we pay for it? How can public power play a vital role in achieving larger regional climate goals?

View Recording >>

November 2023 | White Lake Area Climate Action Council

MiCAN was joined by the White Lake Area Climate Action Council (WLACAC) for our November edition of the Community Voices Series. Lori Coleman and Mickkayla Erbach of WLACAC discussed their efforts to create a new story for their lakeshore community which preserves the beauty and health of the natural environment, and to declare a climate emergency for their two cities in partnership with government leaders (while remaining stubbornly optimistic!).

View Recording >>

October 2023 | Grand Rapids Climate Coalition

In our October edition of the Community Voices Series, we heard from Janet Zahn and Nathan Rauh-Bieri of the Grand Rapids Climate Coalition about their efforts to achieve community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030, prioritizing equity and climate justice. The GRCC is an inaugural member of the MiCAN Steering Committee which promotes collaboration, connection, and shared investments of time, energy, and resources in the movement for a more just, equitable, resilient, and sustainable Great Lakes State.

View Recording >>

June 2023  |  Oakland County Climate Action

As part of the 2023 Michigan Climate Summit, this 'local action' panel showcased groups' efforts in the greater metro Detroit area. Representing Oakland County as a model, panelists spoke on how elected officials and grassroots leaders can effectively work together to achieve climate goals.

View Recording >>

May 2023  |  Universities Leading on Climate

During this interactive, conversational-style event, MiCAN intern Brendan Mortensen-Seguin explored the actions and strategies of university sustainability professionals to address the climate crisis. Drawing from the findings in MiCAN’s forthcoming report on Michigan’s 15 public universities' climate efforts, we heard from three sustainability and climate professionals.

View Recording >>

April 2023  |  From Practitioner to Climate Advocate

Cohosted with Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action, our second installment of the Community Voices Series brought together two outstanding practitioners at the intersection of climate and health.

Drs. Sue Holcombe and Cheryl Ruble discussed their journeys in discovering how to engage in effective climate advocacy related to food, agriculture, and health.

View Recording >>

March 2023  |  Climate Emergency Month in Kalamazoo & West Michigan

MiCAN's first-of-its-kind Community Voices featured groups advancing equitable climate solutions in Kalamazoo and West Michigan, keying in on current efforts and upcoming initiatives toward bold climate action during Kalamazoo's declared Climate Emergency Month. The series kicked off with a hybrid event out of the Kalamazoo Nature Center, where participants rounded out the afternoon with a climate-centric nature hike, and featured speakers from the Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition, Western Michigan Environmental Action Council, and WMU Climate Change Working Group.

View Recording >>

A $3.06 million grant will be used to convert Mackinac ferry to electric power. Written by Janelle D. James of Bridge Michigan on March 14, 2023.

Boom.

You are now registered to join hundreds of climate-minded counterparts at Michigan's premier Climate Summit. Thank you for your ticket purchase and welcome to the cause! Check your email for your receipt, and if you're not seeing it right away, please check your spam folder. As always, you can Contact Us with any questions or concerns.

Written by Amy Bandyk, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board of Michigan, for The Detroit News.

Written by Sheri McWhirter of MLive on January 20, 2023.

LANSING, MICH. – State officials agreed on an electric rate hike for customers of Consumers Energy but required the company to double its rooftop solar cap, among additional efforts toward electric vehicle charging, community solar, grid reliability, and electrifying residential heating.

MiCAN member Voices for Carbon Neutrality (VCN) acquaints new president at the University of Michigan with major climate issues and urges action.

Written by Catherine Clifford, CNBC.

• Georgia, Kentucky, and Michigan are going to dominate electric vehicle battery manufacturing in the United States by 2030.
• This EV battery manufacturing capacity will support the manufacturing of between 10 and 13 million all-electric vehicles per year, putting the U.S. in position to be a global EV competitor.