Friend — our movement just secured a truly massive victory in Michigan, where the elected leaders have put the state on a fast track to reach 100% clean energy. This victory makes Michigan the latest state in LCV’s nationwide Clean Energy for All campaign to enact state and local policies that cut pollution, protect public health, and tackle the climate crisis.

Over the last six years, LCV and our 30+ affiliates in the Conservation Voters Movement have won major progress through this campaign. More than 40% of people in the U.S. now live in places committed to 100% clean energy — and LCV supporters like you played a big part in making that a reality.

Michigan is now the latest state to join these ranks — in recent weeks, the state legislature passed and the governor signed, legislation that sets one of the nation’s fastest 100% clean energy commitments.

Today, 15 states, along with Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., have passed legislation committing to 100% clean energy, with two more states committed by executive order. Michigan joins six other states plus Washington, D.C. in committing to this goal by 2040 or sooner.

Michigan’s new package of laws:

• Requires Michigan to get 100% of its energy from carbon-free sources such as wind and solar by 2040, while setting interim targets of 80% by 2035 and 50% by 2030.
• Directs the state to judge utility plans on an array of environmental justice criteria and assess the health and pollution impacts on communities of color.
• Requires utilities to dedicate 25-35% of weatherization and energy efficiency programs in environmental justice communities and low-income communities.
• Increases access to rooftop solar by raising the limit on how many Michiganders can enroll in rooftop solar programs.

READ MORE IN THE NEW YORK TIMES

Our state affiliate Michigan LCV and its coalition partners worked for over a year to secure this legislation while fighting deep-pocketed opposition from fossil fuel and chemical companies.

Michigan LCV knocked on over 80,000 doors, made more than 133,000 phone calls to constituents, ran TV and streaming advertising in 22 districts with seven million impressions statewide, held multiple events and engaged volunteers to attend 48 coffee hours held by lawmakers, and garnered significant media coverage.

This campaign created a sustained drumbeat of public demand for action and ensured that this issue became a priority for lawmakers. Thanks to this win, Michigan will transition away from fossil fuels to 100% clean energy, leading to less pollution that contributes to climate change and healthier air and water for Michigan families and communities.

Friend, stories like this one inspire me. I’m so excited about what we can achieve for our Earth together as we head into 2024. I’m glad to have you in our corner and to be able to celebrate these wins with you.

Onward,

Gene Karpinski
President
League of Conservation Voters