LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Michigan has been awarded $129 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to boost renewable energy projects under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda. This grant will focus on “accelerating the siting, zoning, and permitting of renewable energy” projects to help Michigan achieve its target of 60% renewable energy by 2030.
The grant will be managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), focusing on “providing incentives and technical assistance to local and Tribal governments.” Moreover, these efforts support the Justice40 Initiative, which claims to channel 40% of climate and clean energy benefits to communities “marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.”
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“Selected recipients have put forward ambitious plans to advance sustainable agriculture, deploy clean industrial technologies, cut emissions and energy costs in homes and commercial buildings, and provide cost- and energy-efficient heating and cooling to communities, creating economic and workforce development opportunities along the way,” EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said in a statement.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also introduced the Renewables Ready Communities Program, aimed at meeting the state’s 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,” Whitmer said.
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-MI 12) highlighted the public health benefits, saying that reducing pollution is necessary for areas with high asthma rates, such as those in Michigan. Additionally, Representative Debbie Dingell (D- MI 6) talked about the importance of funding investments that affect communities across the state.
“I am grateful for the Biden-Harris Administration’s leadership and look forward to our continued work towards our clean energy goals and the future, both here in Michigan and beyond,” Dingell said.
The awarded projects are part of a larger national effort to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
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