100% Renewables for All

To keep warming below 1.5 degrees, scientists agree we must have 100% renewable energy (RE) for all sources by 2050, and cut climate emissions 50% by 2030. Today, many scientists are saying we must move even faster, and since decarbonizing the electricity sector is the lowest hanging fruit, say we need to get to 100% renewable electricity by 2030. 

Cities Taking Climate Action
Cities have been leading with 100% renewable energy goals in Michigan and around the world. There are over 170 U.S. cities and over 300 globally with 100% renewable electricity goals, and many have already achieved this. 

Now many cities - including Ann Arbor - are working to achieve carbon neutrality. MiCAN is proud to have led the effort to pass Michigan's first community-wide 100% RE goal in Traverse City, and we are supporting many local efforts across the state.

100% Renewable Michigan
Governor Whitmer's commitment for Michigan to be carbon neutral by 2050 is a huge step forward for our state. However, requiring electric utilities to rapidly transition to 100% renewable energy, and making sure future administrations do not undo our progress, is going to take legislative action.

Many other states and territories that have passed 100% renewable policies through their legislatures, and some include strong equity and jobs provisions. The State of New York passed climate policy that sets legally binding emissions standards to get the state off fossil fuels by 2050, and it mandates that 40% of state climate and energy funding be invested in environmental justice communities. 

MiCAN is now working for strong 100% renewable energy legislation in Michigan. 

Table created by: Greentech Media

WHY 100% RENEWABLE FOR ALL? 
In addition to being necessary to avoid climate catastrophe, there are many reasons people are getting behind 100% renewable energy. 

100% is Achievable & Cost Effective 
Research shows 100% renewable energy is achievable for the entire U.S. right now, and will just become easier as storage and other technologies improve. More than 200 U.S. cities and counties have committed to 100%, and over 100 cities around the globe get at least 70% of their energy from renewable sources.² Renewables and efficiency now cost less than any other energy source in Michigan,³ and are expanding rapidly, with large solar arrays now being built in Cadillac, Grand Rapids, East Lansing and other parts of the state.

100% for Healthy Communities 
Powering our state with 100% renewable energy for all our energy needs would save Michigan families over $150 in energy costs and $2,000 in health care costs every year, according to Stanford University research.⁴ It would reduce the air pollution that triggers asthma attacks and respiratory illnesses, improving quality of life and saving lives. Done right, a Michigan 100% policy that centers equitable solutions will help repair the unjust legacy of environmental harms inflicted on communities by fossil fuel and other industrial polluters.

100% for Good Jobs & Strong Economies 
A commitment to 100% RE will help keep Michigan's manufacturing industry strong, and must be done in a way that creates good-paying jobs in the rapidly growing renewable energy economy. Michigan already leads the Midwest with over 126,000 renewable energy jobs.⁵ Smart renewable energy policies will help this continue to grow,⁶ and should include investments in workers and communities affected by closing fossil fuel plants and the communities.⁷

Renewable energy investments can boost local economies in Michigan communities. Wind energy has led to millions of dollars for rural landowners in some rural Michigan counties,⁸ and over $32 million of investment in our state and local economies through taxes alone in 2018.⁹

100% RE is good for communities and is good for Michigan!

Sources:

[1] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC 1.5C Report: https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/

[2] CDP Data: https://www.cdp.net/en/cities/world-renewable-energy-cities

[3] Michigan Public Service Commission: http://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/0,4639,7-159-16400_17280-376729--,00.html

[4] Stanford University 100% Energy Roadmap for Michigan: http://thesolutionsproject.org/infographic/#mi

[5] Clean Jobs Midwest Report 2019: https://www.cleanjobsmidwest.com/

[6] ELPC 2019 Report - Michigan Clean Energy Business Supply Chain: http://elpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ELPC-Mich-Supply-Chain.Final.2019.pdf

[7] BlueGreen Alliance Plan Solidarity for Climate Action:  https://www.bluegreenalliance.org/resources/the-plan-we-need-to-get-american-manufacturing-back-on-track/

[8] Midwest Energy News, "Report: Rural Michigan landowners net millions from wind farms," April 12, 2016. http://midwestenergynews.com/2016/04/12/report-rural-michigan-landowners-net-millions-from-wind-farms/

[9] AWEA 2018 U.S. Wind Industry Annual Market Report:  https://www.awea.org/resources/publications-and-reports/market-reports/2018-u-s-wind-industry-market-reports