The Office of Climate and Energy coordinates the state’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 through development and implementation of the Mi Healthy Climate Plan as ordered in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-182 and Executive Directive 2020-10. It will serve as Michigan’s action plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning toward carbon neutrality throughout the economy. This comprehensive plan will protect the public health of Michiganders and our environment while putting Michigan on a path towards becoming fully carbon-neutral by 2050.
Transitioning to carbon neutrality will mitigate the future harms of climate change and enable Michigan to take full advantage of the ongoing global energy transformation—from the jobs it will generate for our skilled workforce, to the protections it will provide for natural resources, to the savings it will bring to communities and utility ratepayers.
To ensure steady progress toward this goal, and to prevent irreparable harm to Michigan’s ecosystem, residents, and businesses in the interim, the Executive Directive further provides that Michigan will aim to achieve a 28 percent reduction below 1990 levels in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025.
The office supports state and local governments in mitigation and resiliency efforts to both achieve the state’s carbon neutrality goal and help prepare communities for climate impacts. The Office also provides guidance in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promotes renewable energy and energy efficiency, and advocates for the continued transition to a clean energy economy.
The MI Healthy Climate Plan is the state’s action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward economy-wide carbon neutrality.
In addition to the annual report on the implementation of the plan, other initiatives include the MI Healthy Climate Plan Webinar Series, the MI Healthy Climate Corps (first cohort starting January 2024), and engagement activities related to federal funding opportunities.
Catalyze innovation in industry to reduce electricity usage, transition to clean fuels, create new products, and increase recycling.
Repair and decarbonize existing homes and businesses, and build new, efficient buildings.
Accelerate adoption of renewable energy, transition away from coal, and and make energy affordable for Michiganders.
Invest in climate initiatives that benefit Michigan’s most disadvantaged communities and ensure a just transition for all workers through job training and workforce development.
Protect Michigan’s land and water, naturally capture greenhouse gas emissions, and support climate-smart agriculture.
Drive the adoption of electric vehicles, build a statewide charging network, and invest in transportation options for all Michiganders.
We provide email updates on the following topics:
The Council on Climate Solutions will act in an advisory capacity to the governor and the department in formulating and overseeing the implementation of the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which will serve as the action plan for this state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward economy-wide carbon neutrality.
Work with and support all of Michigan’s communities in tackling climate change.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in February 2019 signed Executive Order 2019-06 that created the Department of Great Lakes, Environment, and Energy. The executive order expanded the duties of the former Department of Environmental Quality to include as a priority an added focus on energy and climate issues as they affect the state and its residents. That executive order created the Office of Climate and Energy within EGLE.
The Office of Climate and Energy coordinates Michigan's response to climate change across state departments and agencies, and provide recommendations, guidance and assistance on climate change mitigation, adaptation and resiliency strategies. It supports the state's move to increased clean energy production and works with stakeholders to educate the public on the benefits of renewable energy sources as well as energy efficiency practices.
Executive Order 2019-06 also moved the former Michigan Energy Office under EGLE's Materials Management Division. Now known as the Energy Services Unit, the office continues to be committed to promoting healthy communities, economic growth, and environmental sustainability through energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Gov. Whitmer and EGLE also have taken other steps to promote clean energy and work toward mitigating the effects of climate change:
