Michigan Can Transition to 100-Percent Renewable Energy by 2035
From this 2040 perspective, Michigan’s 100-percent renewable energy standard took full effect five years ago, and—along with accelerated closures of coal plants, like the one in Monroe, and a ban on new gas plant construction—it has saved Michigan families at least $15 billion in public health costs. Plus, we’ve been spared the devastating experiences associated with that price tag: Late nights in the emergency room. Family members lost too soon. Community-owned solar cooperatives are flourishing in Black, Brown, and low-income communities, building wealth in the very households who bore the brunt of Michigan’s fossil fuel economy for generations. This future is possible, and new research by the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition and Union of Concerned Scientists proves it: Michigan can transition to 100-percent renewable energy by 2035 and can do it by prioritizing investments in the communities most impacted. Bridget Saunders Vial is the energy democracy organizer with the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition. She works closely with such partners as Soulardarity and We Want Green Too to challenge abuses of the investor-owned monopoly utility system and fight for health, affordability, and community ownership of renewable energy.