By Rachel Just
DETROIT, Mich. — Michigan has officially set new goals to embrace renewable, clean energy in the coming decades.
The plan, deemed “Michigan Jobs, Michigan Energy” by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, puts into law portions of her “MI Clean Energy Future” plan, which aims to put the Great Lakes State ahead of its neighbors in pursuing clean energy.
“Our 100% clean energy standard will make Michigan a national leader: top five nationwide and number one in the Midwest,” Whitmer told a large crowd gathered at Detroit’s Eastern Market for a bill signing event on Tuesday. “We already knew we were the best, it’s about time the rest of them figured it out. Let’s make it official.”
Whitmer signed seven bills Tuesday, which include ambitions from Whitmer’s priorities that became more pared down during the legislative process this fall.
Goals of the plan include 50% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% clean energy by 2040.
“I would say the goals are very ambitious. But I think that’s part of the strategy, is to set very ambitious goals and hope for the best,” said Doug Bessette, an associate professor in the Department of Community Sustainability at Michigan State University.
Bessette, whose work focuses on clean energy and the energy transition, says he believes Michigan can reach the goals it’s set forth, but it may take a while to accelerate to the major changes it’ll require.
Energy Values Lab 