In combination with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Governor Whitmer’s historic clean energy and climate action package has made Michigan a leader in the fight against climate change, with thousands of jobs and billions in federal funding projected by 2030.

LANSING, MI - On September 9, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer highlighted a new report from 5 Lakes Energy, projecting that the historic clean energy package signed into law last year, combined with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), will drive significant economic growth and cost-savings in the state. According to the report, by 2030, the nation-leading package and federal investments will drive household energy bills down by $297 a year, secure $15.6 billion in federal funding, and save $7.3 billion in public health costs, and make progress towards the MI Healthy Climate Plan.

“Michigan is building the future of cars, chips, and clean energy, driven by our world-class manufacturing capabilities, talented workers, and unmatched grit,” said Governor Whitmer. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration and the historic clean energy package we passed last year, we’ll be able to continue lowering household utility costs, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and bring more federal tax dollars home to Michigan for clean energy projects. I am so proud to have signed laws that’s helped us create high-skilled, good-paying jobs, bring supply chains home, lower our dependence on foreign fuels, and build a bright future for our state.” 

Michigan Prosperity Regions

According to the report, Michigan's prosperity regions are ten distinct geographic areas defined by the state of Michigan to organize and streamline economic development efforts. These regions have unique characteristics which inform specific responses to support local communities. 

Region 1: Upper Peninsula 

This region includes the counties of Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon, and Schoolcraft. According to the report, the clean energy legislation is projected to:

- Create 1,462 new jobs by 2030; 2,510 by 2040

- Grow GDP by $187,859,771 by 2030; $356,761,950 by 2040

- Deliver federal tax credit investment of $415,340,156 by 2030; $802,696,824 by 2040

- Save $33,631,666 in public health costs by 2030; $122,854,874 by 2040 

“The transition to clean energy is gaining momentum as funding is starting to move into communities,” said state Representative Jenn Hill (D-Marquette). “Energy costs are a consistent concern among Upper Peninsula residents, so it’s exciting to see our region headed toward true energy independence, a lower cost of living and more good paying jobs.”

Region 2: Northwest Michigan

This region includes the counties of Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford. According to the report, the clean energy legislation is projected to:

- Create 1,909 new jobs by 2030; 3,386 by 2040

- Grow GDP by $246,569,065 by 2030; $470,690,538 by 2040

- Deliver federal tax credit investment of $526,761,315 by 2030; $1,029,558,930 by 2040

- Save $95,189,941 in public health costs by 2030; $350,626,533 by 2040 

Region 3: Northeast Michigan

This region includes the counties of Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, and Roscommon. According to the report, the clean energy legislation is projected to:

- Create 959 new jobs by 2030; 1,748 by 2040

- Grow GDP by $127,802,450 by 2030; $254,851,302 by 2040

- Deliver federal tax credit investment of $290,480,046 by 2030; $561,760,064 by 2040

- Save $107,961,978 in public health costs by 2030; $405,031,534 by 2040 

Region 4: West Michigan

This region includes the counties of Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Ottawa. According to the report, the clean energy legislation is projected to:

- Create 10,602 new jobs by 2030; 17,090 by 2040

- Grow GDP by $1,409,423,991 by 2030; $2,391,054,542 by 2040

- Deliver federal tax credit investment of $3,129,407,446 by 2030; $6,160,006,137 by 2040

- Save $671,232,279 in public health costs by 2030; $2,554,893,947 by 2040 

Region 5: East Central Michigan

This region includes the counties of Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, and Saginaw. According to the report, the clean energy legislation is projected to:

- Create 2,732 new jobs by 2030; 4,956 by 2040

- Grow GDP by $364,684,806 by 2030; $736,094,240 by 2040

- Deliver federal tax credit investment of $861,035,978 by 2030; $1,676,693,490 by 2040

- Save $299,825,992 in public health costs by 2030; $1,172,171,908 by 2040 

Region 6: East Michigan

This region includes the counties of Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, St. Clair, Sanilac, and Tuscola. According to the report, the clean energy legislation is projected to:

- Create 3,608 new jobs by 2030; 6,430 by 2040

- Grow GDP by $468,432,470 by 2030; $905,568,594 by 2040

- Deliver federal tax credit investment of $1,060,206,892 by 2030; $2,082,255,266 by 2040

- Save $557,961,577 in public health costs by 2030; $2,201,722,744 by 2040 

Region 7: South Central

This region includes the counties of Clinton, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, and Livingston. According to the report, the clean energy legislation is projected to:

- Create 2,481 new jobs by 2030; 4,003 by 2040

- Grow GDP by $296,793,115 by 2030; $509,513,179 by 2040

- Deliver federal tax credit investment of $524,342,631 by 2030; $1,038,813,578 by 2040

- Save $248,081,173 in public health costs by 2030; $948,546,917 by 2040 

“This recent report from Evergreen Action showcases what is possible when we invest in clean energy solutions," said state Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing). “Clean energy is good for our workers. It’s good for our economy. And it’s necessary for the health and well-being of our state. I’m encouraged by these numbers and hope others are too - Michigan is headed in the right direction!”  

Region 8: Southwest

This region includes the counties of Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren. According to the report, the clean energy legislation is projected to:

- Create 4,316 new jobs by 2030; 7,294 by 2040

- Grow GDP by $591,682,572 by 2030; $1,104,041,476 by 2040

- Deliver federal tax credit investment of $1,454,673,839 by 2030; $2,824,111,362 by 2040

- Save $251,577,331 in public health costs by 2030; $988,726,103 by 2040 

“When we invest in our clean energy sector, we both strengthen Michigan’s economy and ensure our state remains a prosperous home for generations to come,” said state Representative Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph). “These clean energy jobs will help communities independently sustain themselves with homegrown, renewable energy. I am happy to see these employment opportunities expand across Southwest Michigan, allowing more working people to support their families.”

Region 9: Southeast

This region includes the counties of Monroe and Washtenaw, as well as the non-Detroit portions of Wayne County. According to the report, the clean energy legislation is projected to:

- Create 5,060 new jobs by 2030; 8,383 by 2040

- Grow GDP by $632,005,149 by 2030; $1,155,429,644 by 2040

- Deliver federal tax credit investment of $1,349,084,389 by 2030; $2,824,111,362 by 2040

- Save $758,240,947 in public health costs by 2030; $2,710,711,798 by 2040 

"The future of our energy sector - and a significant part of our economy - lies in clean energy. This report highlights how investments in clean energy fuels robust job growth across the U.S. energy sector, with Michigan playing a key role,” said state Senator Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp). “Our historic Clean Energy Future legislation has positioned Michigan as a national leader in the fight against climate change, reducing household utility cost and safeguarding our air, water, and public health, while creating good-paying jobs for people. This report proves that prioritizing clean energy isn't just good for the environment - it's also a powerful boost for our economy and American workers."

Region 10: Detroit Metro 

This region includes the counties of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne, focusing on the densely populated urban and suburban areas surrounding Detroit. According to the report, the clean energy legislation is projected to:

- Create 24,073 new jobs by 2030; 40,240 by 2040

- Grow GDP by $2,956,361,610 by 2030; $5,224,596,535 by 2040

- Deliver federal tax credit investment of $5,988,427,342 by 2030; $11,862,700,515 by 2040

- Save $4,272,351,284 in public health costs by 2030; $16,318,402,980 by 2040

Governor Whitmer’s Clean Energy Wins  

In 2023, Governor Whitmer signed historic clean energy legislation making Michigan a national leader in the fight against climate change. The laws will lower household utility costs, create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, and protect Michigan’s precious air, water, and public health. The clean energy bills deliver on the vision put forth in the governor’s MI Healthy Climate Plan, which lays out a roadmap for Michigan’s clean energy future.

Other wins include:

- Launched the MI Healthy Climate Plan, to lower costs, create jobs, and make Michigan 100% carbon neutral by 2050.

- Led by example by deploying clean energy at state facilities and powering state government with 100% renewable energy.

- Made Michigan the top state in the Midwest for clean energy job growth, with nearly 124,000 clean energy workers.

- Made Michigan the No. 1 state in landing clean energy projects from the Inflation Reduction Act, leveraging $26 billion and supporting over 21,000 jobs.

- Established the Make it in Michigan competitiveness fund to win federal resources from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act.

- Signed bipartisan budgets investing millions in climate-resilient infrastructure, electric school buses, local renewable energy and electrification projects, and more.