Michigan 100% Renewable for Climate, Jobs, and Justice

For a stable climate, scientists agree we need to shift to 100% renewable energy (RE) for all sources by 2050, and cut climate emissions 45% by 2030.¹ If done in a way that centers equity, this will bring many benefits - saving lives, making healthier communities for our families, creating good jobs, and boosting local economies.

MICHIGAN SHOULD LEAD
More than a dozen states now have 100% RE goals for electricity, and several have goals to be carbon neutral, which means all sources of energy are carbon free - including electricity, buildings, and transportation. Michigan should be among the states leading our nation in clean, renewable energy.

Table created by: Greentech Media

100% IS ACHIEVABLE & COST EFFECTIVE
Research shows 100% renewable energy is achievable for the entire U.S. right now, and will just become easier as storage and other technologies improve. More than 200 U.S. cities and counties have committed to 100%, and over 100 cities around the globe get at least 70% of their energy from renewable sources.² Renewables and efficiency now cost less than any other energy source in Michigan,³ and are expanding rapidly, with large solar arrays now being built in Cadillac, Grand Rapids, East Lansing and other parts of the state.

100% FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITIES & JUSTICE
Powering our state with 100% renewable energy for all our energy needs would save Michigan families over $150 in energy costs and $2,000 in health care costs every year, according to Stanford University research.⁴ It would reduce the air pollution that triggers asthma attacks and respiratory illnesses, improving quality of life and saving lives. Done right, a Michigan 100% policy that centers equitable solutions will help repair the unjust legacy of environmental harms inflicted on communities by fossil fuel and other industrial polluters.

100% FOR GOOD JOBS & STRONG LOCAL ECONOMIES
A commitment to 100% clean energy will help keep Michigan's manufacturing industry strong, and must be done in a way that creates good-paying jobs in the rapidly growing clean energy economy. Michigan already leads the Midwest with over 126,000 clean energy jobs.⁵ Smart clean energy policies will help this continue to grow,⁶ and should include investments in workers and communities affected by closing fossil fuel plants and the communities.⁷

Clean energy investments can boost local economies in Michigan communities. Wind energy has led to millions of dollars for rural landowners in some rural Michigan counties,⁸ and over $32 million of investment in our state and local economies through taxes alone in 2018.⁹

100% RE is good for communities and is good for Michigan!

Sources:

[1] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC 1.5C Report: https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/

[2] CDP Data: https://www.cdp.net/en/cities/world-renewable-energy-cities

[3] Michigan Public Service Commission: http://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/0,4639,7-159-16400_17280-376729--,00.html

[4] Stanford University 100% Energy Roadmap for Michigan: http://thesolutionsproject.org/infographic/#mi

[5] Clean Jobs Midwest Report 2019: https://www.cleanjobsmidwest.com/

[6] ELPC 2019 Report - Michigan Clean Energy Business Supply Chain: http://elpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ELPC-Mich-Supply-Chain.Final.2019.pdf

[7] BlueGreen Alliance Plan Solidarity for Climate Action:  https://www.bluegreenalliance.org/resources/the-plan-we-need-to-get-american-manufacturing-back-on-track/

[8] Midwest Energy News, "Report: Rural Michigan landowners net millions from wind farms," April 12, 2016. http://midwestenergynews.com/2016/04/12/report-rural-michigan-landowners-net-millions-from-wind-farms/

[9] AWEA 2018 U.S. Wind Industry Annual Market Report:  https://www.awea.org/resources/publications-and-reports/market-reports/2018-u-s-wind-industry-market-reports