LANSING – A cross-section of Michigan organizations applauded a U.S. plan to curb transportation pollution and urged Michigan policymakers to boost investments in clean mobility programs in the upcoming 2024 budget so the state can build on last week’s federal announcement.

“Strong action to curb tailpipe emissions and harmful pollution is essential to protecting people’s health and addressing climate change, and the Biden Administration deserves credit for tackling this challenge head on,” said Charles Griffith, director of climate and energy programs at the Ecology Center. “With devastating floods and storms putting lives and property at risk across Michigan, we can no longer afford to drag our feet in the fight against the climate crisis. As the state that put the world on wheels, Michigan can and must join the national effort to rise to the moment and blaze the trail toward a clean energy future.”

The Michigan groups applauded Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Democratic legislators’ commitment to attracting clean energy and mobility opportunities to address climate change and create jobs in the state. To meet those goals, the groups called on legislators and policymakers to implement the following priorities as they finalize the 2024 fiscal year budget:

  • $205 million for fleet incentives, including $150 million for clean school buses;
  • $50 million for light-duty EVs, including up to $5 million for e-bikes and recreational vehicles
  • $65 million for public charging amenities, including community charger grants

Read more about the groups’ clean transportation plan here.

“Our recommendations for robust investments in clean transportation can give Michigan the tools to reduce tailpipe emissions so we secure a safer, healthier and more prosperous future for our families,” said Clean Fuels Michigan Executive Director Jane McCurry. “Securing state budget investments in clean mobility will build on efforts to help families across both peninsulas access cleaner transportation options, protect people’s health, and attract economic opportunity and EV jobs to our state.”

The groups’ call for Michigan leaders to act on state-level climate transportation measures as the Biden Administration today announced robust greenhouse gas emission limits for 2027 and 2032 model year cars and light-duty trucks. To meet the emissions goals, electric vehicles would need to account for up to 67% of all new vehicle sales by 2032. At 27%, transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions represent the largest source of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.