September 26 - October 2, 2022: Drive Electric Week

WHEREAS, electric vehicles (EVs) are the future of automotive manufacturing; predicted to make up over 50 percent of new vehicle sales by 2030; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan automotive industry employs 1.1 million workers, representing 20% of all employment in the state; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan is home to 26 automotive original equipment manufacturers, 96 of the top 100 automotive suppliers, and billions of dollars of private investment supporting the future of electric vehicle manufacturing and advanced mobility research and development; and,

WHEREAS, in 2020, Michigan accounted for 18% of all U.S. vehicle production and the automotive sector contributed $304 billion to the state’s economy; and,

WHEREAS, in 2020 the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification was established to build a stronger, more equitable and environmentally conscious transportation for Michigan residents, including a focus on expanding smart infrastructure and accelerating EV adoption in Michigan; and,

WHEREAS, with strategic public-private partnerships over the next decade, Michigan can grow its share of electric vehicle manufacturing and continue to serve as the global epicenter of the automotive industry through the transition to EVs; and,

WHEREAS, the transportation sector is the leading source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the U.S.; and,

WHEREAS, air pollution remains one of the greatest public health challenges, and GHG emissions cause serious health effects including asthma, cancer, chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, and premature death; and,

WHEREAS, switching from fossil-fueled vehicles to electric vehicles is imperative to achieve significant reductions in GHG emissions; and,

WHEREAS, in 2019, Michigan joined the U.S. Climate Alliance to combat climate change by implementing policies to reduce GHG emissions back below 2005 levels by 2025, and by accelerating new policies to reduce carbon pollution; and,

WHEREAS, in order to reduce range anxiety and facilitate EV adoption, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s Charge Up Michigan program has already funded deployment of over 80 publicly accessible electric vehicle chargers in the state; and,

WHEREAS, President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda will make the investments necessary to achieve a national goal of EVs making up 50% of new vehicle sales by 2030; and,

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 26 through October 2, 2022, as Drive Electric Week in Michigan, and I encourage all people in our state to join me in this special observance.