The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a $129 million grant to Michigan to advance its renewable energy goals. The funding will support the state’s efforts to cut climate pollution and accelerate the adoption of clean energy.
Debra Shore, the Midwest regional administrator for the EPA, announced that the grant will incentivize and assist local and tribal governments with renewable energy projects. The initiative aims to help Michigan reach its target of 60% renewable energy by 2030, as outlined in Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate plan, which seeks carbon neutrality by 2050.
The grant will establish the Renewables Ready Communities Program (RRC Program), focusing on several key areas:
- Supporting local and tribal governments in hosting utility-scale renewable energy projects.
- Launching the Brownfield Renewable Energy Pilot Program to fund projects on potentially contaminated sites.
- Enhancing the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Renewable Energy Academy for improved planning and permitting.
- Creating a strategic plan for renewable energy and brownfield projects.
- Training a workforce for the growing renewable energy sector.
Dan Kildee, Democratic Congressman, highlighted that the funding would provide resources to protect the environment and create clean energy jobs. Debbie Dingell, Congresswoman, emphasized that the investment is crucial for addressing the climate crisis and advancing environmental justice.
Michigan's grant is part of a broader federal initiative, with 25 states receiving a total of $4.3 billion.
Source: michiganpublic.org