[[{“value”:”Reading Time: 5 minutes
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared that the State of Michigan has received a grant of $129.1 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program, under the Biden-Harris administration. This funding is aimed at enhancing the state’s renewable energy initiatives, including wind, solar, and energy storage. This financial boost aligns with Michigan’s objectives to achieve 60% renewable energy and 100% clean energy standards as outlined in its new clean energy legislation. The implementation of this project is expected to generate quality employment opportunities, reduce energy expenses, and safeguard Michigan’s natural resources.
“Michigan is committed to leading the future of clean energy so we can drive down utility costs for families, create good-paying jobs, and grow our advanced manufacturing economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “Thanks to our congressional delegation and the Biden-Harris administration’s investment in Michigan, we are ready to launch the Renewables Ready Communities Program to meet our renewable energy and MI Healthy Climate Plan goals. Together, we can install more solar panels and wind turbines using well-paid American workers. We can make clean, reliable energy right here in America while lowering costs and keeping our natural resources safe for future generations. Together, let’s keep leading the future of clean energy manufacturing and move towards our goal of 100% clean energy by 2040. Let’s get it done.”
“This federal investment will accelerate adoption of renewable energy in every corner of our state, helping to keep our air and waterways safe while reducing energy costs for Michigan families,” said United States Senator Gary Peters. “I was proud to help enact the Inflation Reduction Act into law, which is bringing this critical funding to Michigan to bolster our clean energy economy and support local jobs.”
Today marks the launch of the Renewables Ready Communities (RRC) Program, spearheaded by Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). This initiative is designed to streamline the permitting of renewable energy projects through local frameworks, boosting the state’s capacity to meet its ambitious target of 60% renewable energy by 2030. Central to overcoming the critical challenge of siting, the RRC Program aims to expedite the development of solar, wind, and other renewable resources across Michigan.
The program encompasses several strategic measures:
Expansion of the Renewables Ready Communities Award: Initiated in 2024 with a state investment of $30 million, this pilot awards financial incentives to local and tribal governments that facilitate utility-scale renewable energy and energy storage projects through local approvals.
Introduction of the Brownfield Renewable Energy Pilot: This new initiative offers grants for renewable energy developments on brownfield sites, promoting their reuse and helping to mitigate site contamination issues.
Enhancement of EGLE’s Renewable Energy Academy: This effort provides specialized support to local and tribal governments to refine renewable energy planning, siting, and permitting processes, including for the newly established Brownfield Renewable Energy Pilot.
Advancement of Workforce Development: In collaboration with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, this strategy focuses on building a skilled workforce capable of supporting the state’s renewable energy goals by 2030.
Creation of a Renewables Ready Communities Strategic Plan: This comprehensive plan aims to orchestrate the deployment of utility-scale and brownfield renewable energy projects, ensuring alignment with Michigan’s renewable energy objectives.
Through these initiatives, Michigan is taking decisive steps to address the siting challenges and harness the potential of renewable energy to meet its climate and energy goals effectively.
“Expanding access to renewable energy is critical to meeting the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan, the state’s climate action plan, and reducing harmful air pollution, protecting our land, air, and water, and lowering energy costs for families, said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “Last year, with support from Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature, we launched the Renewables Ready Communities Award pilot program, a program to incentivize the local permitting of renewable energy projects like wind and solar. Today’s announcement will allow us to scale this program, offering additional supports and benefits to communities who want to be a part of the solution to the climate crisis.”
The funding stems from the Inflation Reduction Act’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program—a substantial $5 billion competitive grant initiative aimed at empowering states, local governments, tribes, and territories to enact robust strategies for curbing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing harmful air pollution. In April 2023, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) received a $3 million planning grant under the CPRG program. The current disbursement is part of the CPRG’s implementation grants and aligns with Michigan’s strategy to utilize this funding to fast-track the MI Healthy Climate Plan—Michigan’s comprehensive blueprint for climate action.
This injection of funds is a pivotal element in progressing toward the objectives set forth in the MI Healthy Climate Plan and supports the recently passed clean energy legislation.
Communities and stakeholders interested in getting involved or learning more about the opportunities within the Renewables Ready Communities Award pilot and other initiatives can contact EGLE via email. Further information is also available on the EGLE website, where updates on these and other programs are regularly posted.
“Michigan continues to lead the nation in bringing clean energy and climate dollars from the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in America Agenda,” said Chief Infrastructure Officer and Director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office Zachary Kolodin. “Quality infrastructure, including our energy infrastructure, is essential to the growth of our communities and prosperity of our residents. This new investment will make our energy grid more resilient and cleaner while creating good-paying jobs, spurring economic development, and lowering energy costs for Michiganders.”
Today’s announcement highlights Michigan’s ongoing commitment to enhancing renewable energy resources. The state has already made significant strides by establishing renewable, storage, and clean energy standards to foster a market conducive to clean energy growth. Furthermore, Michigan has streamlined permitting and tax processes for renewable projects, removed obstacles to clean energy deployment, and offered incentives and technical support to host communities. It has also invested in large-scale and community-serving solar projects, strengthened the domestic renewable supply chain, and led by example—powering state government facilities entirely with renewable energy.
In 2022, Governor Gretchen Whitmer launched the MI Healthy Climate Plan, directing the Office of Climate and Energy (OCE) within the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to oversee its execution. This roadmap aims to position Michigan as a national frontrunner in combating climate change, a commitment further solidified by historic clean energy legislation signed in November. These legislative measures aim to reduce household utility costs, create tens of thousands of jobs, and safeguard Michigan’s environment and public health.
The enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act, alongside the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the CHIPS and Science Act, presents a unique opportunity for transformative infrastructure, climate, and economic advancements in Michigan. The state now leads the nation in clean energy projects, thanks to IRA funding, and boasts nearly 124,000 clean energy workers—more than any other state in the Midwest.
For further details on the MI Healthy Climate Plan and ongoing state efforts, visit the plan’s webpage or subscribe to Michigan Climate Action News and Updates. About the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program (CPRG), this EPA initiative allocates $5 billion in grants across two phases—planning and implementation—to support ambitious plans to reduce greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
In 2023, Michigan received a $3 million CPRG planning grant to refine the MI Healthy Climate Plan, involving comprehensive stakeholder engagement. The successful development of this plan led to a competitive grant application to the EPA, focusing on addressing renewable energy siting challenges, which received full funding.
Moving forward, Michigan will implement the RRC Program and develop a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) to further refine strategies under the MI Healthy Climate Plan. Throughout 2024 and 2025, EGLE’s OCE will continue to engage with the community and stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the state’s climate goals.
The post Biden-Harris Administration Supports Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Michigan with $129.1 Million for Clean Energy Initiatives appeared first on Travel And Tour World.”}]] [[{“value”:”Reading Time: 5 minutes Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared that the State of Michigan has received a grant of $129.1 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program, under the Biden-Harris administration. This funding is aimed at enhancing the state’s renewable energy initiatives, including wind, solar, and energy storage. This financial boost aligns with Michigan’s objectives to achieve 60% renewable energy and 100% clean energy standards as outlined in its new clean energy legislation.
The post Biden-Harris Administration Supports Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Michigan with $129.1 Million for Clean Energy Initiatives appeared first on Travel And Tour World.”}]] Read More Travel And Tour World America Travel News, Destination News, America News, Biden-Harris Administration, clean energy legislation, Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, CPRG, environmental protection agency, EPA, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Inflation Reduction, Michigan, Renewables Ready Communities, RRC, Travel News, U.S.