Communities have long been leading on climate action, proving that rapid and equitable climate solutions are possible, and inspiring policies at the state & federal level.

Our new report now shows at least 17 Michigan communities have set ambitious climate goals to reach carbon neutrality or 100% renewable energy before 2050. 

The report Michigan Communities Leading on Climate also includes case studies of how four Michigan cities - Ann Arbor, Highland Park, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City - are finding innovative ways to move rapidly and equitably to renewable energy. Download the full report here.

We are excited to lift up and celebrate local climate and justice work with this report. And we are committed to helping other Michigan communities push forward their climate goals - see the interactive map and lists below!

*CORRECTION - We have added Royal Oak to our list of cities with a community wide carbon neutrality goal!

With a slim pro-climate majority in Congress and a climate champion in the White House, we have a unique opportunity to pass federal policy to address the climate crisis in this critical decade.

Over the past year, we have worked hard with partners across the state to make sure Michigan’s Congressional Delegation does everything they can to pass into law the historic climate justice policies in the Build Back Better Act. This policy would invest billions of dollars in wind, solar and efficiency to move us toward 100% renewable energy; create a Civilian Climate Corps to put people to work in good-paying jobs; invest billions in electric vehicle charging stations and EV rebates; modernize the electrical grid; and make major investments in environmental justice communities. 

We helped organize events with Representatives Rashida Tlaib, Andy Levin, Debbie Dingell, and at the office of Representative Elissa Slotkin. We met with the staff of Senators Stabenow and Peters. We organized hundreds of calls and emails into their offices.

In late November, the House passed BBBA, with historic funding for climate solutions intact (to the tune of $555 billion). On December 19, Sen. Joe Manchin declared that he would not vote for the package. Since the Senate Democrats need every single vote for this to pass, this was a major blow.

As we head into summer '22, we are now pushing our Michigan senators to pass the budget reconciliation package before the Senate breaks for summer recess. This is our last best chance to pass desperately needed climate provisions while we have this slim pro-climate majority in power. Click here to take action now and contact your senators today.

Fossil fuel interests are still doing everything they can to try to stop the bill and are pressuring the Senate to water down this language and climate provisions. These special interests have succeeded in delaying action on climate change for decades. We cannot let them succeed in watering down these bills.

Sign up for our email list so we can keep you updated, and share opportunities to take action. 

 
Thank you for using your voice during this crucial window for federal climate justice action!

Opportunity to Strengthen EPA's Proposed Methane Safeguards

In November 2022, President Biden issued an updated draft rule to cut methane and other harmful pollutants from new and existing oil and gas operations. The updated rule builds on the draft rule released by EPA in 2021, incorporates much of the feedback offered by communities in the past year, and is an important step towards addressing the climate crisis, safeguarding public health, and creating new jobs in the methane mitigation industry. Still, there is more work to be done to ensure that the strongest possible methane safeguards are quickly finalized. The public engagement process outlined by EPA – which includes public hearings on January 10-11, and a public comment period, which will began Tuesday December 6th and will end on Monday, February 13 – is an important opportunity for communities across the country to make their voices heard, and demand that EPA adopts strong, comprehensive methane safeguards to protect our health and our planet.

Submit Comments to the EPA

Community-wide Carbon Neutral Goal

Community-wide 100% RE Goal

Municipal 100% and Carbon Neutral Goals

Why This Matters

The strong climate policies at the local level are resulting in meaningful reductions in climate pollution, which will help our state achieve its climate goals. Communities in this report are also working to increase local ownership of energy resources, reduce air pollution, and address energy affordability and environmental justice. Without comprehensive state climate policies, local communities have had to take it upon themselves to invest in climate solutions in a piecemeal way.

This report underscores the need for our state to have a strong, comprehensive Michigan Healthy Climate Plan to serve as a roadmap for the state's climate approach. The state is finalizing this plan right now after over 800 of you used your voice, urging the state to craft a stronger plan!

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the inaugural Michigan Climate Awards!

The Michigan Climate Action Network is recognizing Michiganders doing exceptional climate and justice work with these new awards. We asked for your help to recognize some of the dedicated professionals, activists, and young people doing the hard work of moving Michigan toward a just and sustainable future. 

Recipients were honored at our virtual Michigan Climate and Clean Energy Summit, May 24-27, 2021.

Here are this year's incredible winners.

The Climate Champion Award goes to a professional working for an organization, a municipality, or business in Michigan

The recipient of this award is Dr. Denise Keele, a founding member and director of both Western Michigan University's Climate Change Working Group and the Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition (KCCC).  Dr. Keele has focused her teaching, scholarship, and professional service to educating students and helping other faculty learn about the climate crisis. She has inspired countless students to pursue careers related to climate change. 

As one person who nominated her wrote, “Dr. Keele devotes her professional life to championing the cause of addressing the climate crisis.  She does so in a way that profoundly models inclusion, collaboration, education, and political transformation.” AND “Denise’s infectious energy and enthusiasm have motivated many hundreds of people throughout southwest Michigan – who otherwise would have remained silent - to act on climate change.”

Congratulations Dr. Keele!

The Climate Action Award goes to a person doing exceptional work as a volunteer or individual.

We are thrilled to award Theresa Landrum, a community organizer and activist, has been fighting against Environmental injustices over twenty years. Theresa Landrum was appointed by the Governor to the Michigan Advisory Council on Environmental Justice (MAC-EJ) She also is the Community Education Specialist for the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition’s Clean Air Council. Theresa Landrum is a life-long Detroiter, and is one of the strongest community activists in Southwest Detroit 48217.  

As a person who nominated her said,” Theresa is doing the work that NEEDS to be done, work that many are afraid to do. She does it WELL! With grace, yet fire that allows the job to get done! She’s amazing and she also teaches, Instills, and inspires so many others.”

Congratulations Theresa!

The Young Climate Leader Award goes to a student or other young person doing exceptional work as a volunteer or individual.

Congratulations to the winner of this award, Dolores Perales, for her work as a vocal advocate for climate and justice and working closely with the community to develop and sustain green placemaking projects. She also helps facilitate sustainability-based research in partnership with local high schools and universities.

One of the many people to nominate Dolores wrote “As a classmate of Dolores', I've learned so much from her, and watch her work tirelessly to fundraise and promote events that educate our community. She is an inspiration and deserves the Young Climate Leader award.”

Congratulations Dolores!

These awards were made possible by a generous grant from The Colina Foundation. 

Congratulations to all of our awardees, and to all of the nominees for these awards. 

Jim MacInnes, CEO of Crystal Mountain Resort, in Benzie County, Michigan.

Douglas Jester is a partner at 5 Lakes Energy, specializing in utility regulation and energy and water policy, research, and modeling.

Watch Peter Sinclair's Climate Change Solutions 2021 webinar held on February 26, 2021.

Shutting down the pipeline would cut off the Upper Peninsula from its supply of cheap propane, but clean energy advocates say there are better alternatives for heating.

We had 650 MiCAN supporters sign a thank you card to Governor Whitmer for taking bold action on climate. Here's the artwork we sent her.

Michigan Advisory Council on Environmental Justice members say Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration is listening to it on issues from pipelines to the pandemic.

Today, Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) approved a permit Enbridge was seeking to build an oil pipeline tunnel to replace Line 5 under the Straits of Mackinac.

The unique model would put utility bill savings from solar installation into a fund to help residents cover expenses such as medical bills or college tuition.

A new presidential administration in 2021 will change the policy landscape for states that are working toward realizing ambitious carbon neutrality goals.

Reacting to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s order to shut down the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline, the Michigan Public Service Commission today ordered that Administrative Law Judge Dennis Mack re-hear arguments about the scope of environmental impacts that can be considered in the siting permit review of the related oil pipeline tunnel Enbridge proposes building beneath the Mackinac Straits.

Environmental and public transit advocates are dismayed by their exclusion from a new council charged with shaping a vision for “future mobility” in the state.

Governor Whitmer, along with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Attorney General Dana Nessel, have revoked the easement that allowed Enbridge to operate Line 5 in the Great Lakes. This is historic. If ultimately successful, this would be the first time an operating pipeline has ever been shut down.

It is rare that a politician has the guts to stand up to the most powerful industry on the planet. Please join us in thanking Governor Gretchen Whitmer for taking a politically risky stance on behalf of all Michiganders, and for doing what must be done to protect future generations.

We'll send your name and comments as a thank you card.

Why don't people vote? It's not necessarily what you think.

A letter signed by representatives of 40 organizations says the state needs an accelerated timeline for phasing out carbon emissions.