Gov. Gretchen Whitmer | Photo Courtesy of Michigan
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer | Photo Courtesy of Michigan
With Gov. Whitmer’s executive order prioritizing making Michigan carbon-neutral by 2050, there is a long road of innovation and adaptation in store for the state and its economy.
The ability to set goals for 30 years in advance, as well as a metric to measure those goals, is a complicated one but not impossible, according to the Energy News Network. The Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (EIBC) has been working to create a framework to measure the energy efficiency of new green technology, from battery technologies to electric vehicles to various forms of renewable energy. In a new report, the Michigan EIBC outlines that investing in green energy is not only better for the environment but will yield economic benefits.
Within the report, the Michigan EIBC argues that widespread investment into new energy grids, solar and wind energy, infrastructure and electric vehicles, among others, will provide great economic benefits. They also allege that public investment into renewable energy sources will create an incentive within private businesses to match that new technology three times over.
Whitmer's goal is for Michigan to be carbon-neutral by 2050.
| stock photo
Another vital aspect that the report emphasizes is job creation from the new investments. Before the COVID-19 pandemic struck the nation, the energy sector was one of the largest job creators in Michigan, accounting for approximately 125,000 jobs in the state for 2019. This driving force for innovation will create more demand for jobs.
Continued innovation and development in green energy will continue to lower the costs for green energy production. As renewable technologies improve, they will become more affordable to consumers and businesses. For example, wind and solar energy have become among the least expensive energy options because of the emphasis on their development over the last decade.
While the path to carbon neutrality is still uncertain, early action will make Michigan’s 2050 goals more achievable, both for the environment and the economy.
Alerts Sign-up