Michigan has emerged as a national leader in the clean energy sector following a series of ambitious state laws enacted by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, according to a report released Monday.
With investments from the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Whitmer signed a package of bills in November 2023 aimed at creating tens of thousands of jobs, reducing energy costs for families, expanding access to alternative energy sources, setting new carbon emission standards, and requiring utility companies to become more energy efficient.
Michigan now has more clean energy projects than any other state — 62 — creating 21,748 jobs and receiving more than $26.6 billion in new investments, according to a report released Monday by 5 Lakes Energy , a firm specializing in clean energy policy, sustainability, and environmental consulting.
According to the report, the state ranks among the top five in the U.S. for new clean energy projects and job creation.
“Last year, Governor Whitmer and the state Legislature secured a clean and prosperous economic future for Michigan. And today, we can see just how investing in the state’s clean energy economy and local businesses will benefit all Michiganders,” Courtney Bourgoin, senior policy and advocacy manager for Evergreen Action Midwest, said in a statement. “Michigan’s new clean energy policies position the state to fully leverage the federal funding available from the IRA to develop a thriving clean energy workforce and save the state billions of dollars in energy and public health costs. Michigan’s clean energy future is bright — and it’s already started.”