September 26-30, 2022: Clean Energy Week

WHEREAS, across Michigan, clean and readily abundant forms of energy are powering more homes and businesses than ever before; and,

WHEREAS, in 2020, renewable resources provided more than 11% of Michigan's electricity net generation, with three-fifths of that provided by wind. Michigan ranks among the top 15 states in wind-powered electricity generation; and,

WHEREAS, in 2021 Michigan communities updated their zoning ordinances to include renewable energy, solar zoning increased by 47%, and wind zoning increased by 8%; and,

WHEREAS, clean energy is part of America’s energy future and includes generation from renewable sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, as well as energy storage; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan has almost 1.1 trillion cubic feet of underground natural gas storage capacity, more than any other state and nearly one-eighth of the nation's total; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan is home to Ludington, one of the largest pumped storage hydroelectric power plants in the world; and,

WHEREAS, the clean energy sector is a growing part of the economy and has been a key driver of economic growth in Michigan in recent years, with over 113,000 people employed in the clean energy and energy efficiency sector in 2020. Michigan is first in the Midwest in the number of clean energy jobs and is sixth overall in the nation; and,

WHEREAS, clean energy jobs are inherently local and contribute to the growth of local economies, and these jobs cannot be outsourced due to the on-site nature of construction, installation, and maintenance; and,

WHEREAS, as our country celebrates National Clean Energy Week, I encourage individuals and organizations in Michigan to support solutions that address America’s economic and energy needs in the 21st century, and also encourage municipalities and individuals to implement the cleanest, lowest-emitting energy technologies available; and,

WHEREAS, we must harness the power of Michigan entrepreneurs and small businesses and ensure government collaboration to assert American energy leadership and dominance in the global marketplace and assure low-cost reliable energy here at home;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 26-30, 2022, as Clean Energy Week in Michigan.