In Lansing, Senator Stabenow Releases Report on the Impact of Climate Crisis in Michigan

LANSING – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today led a roundtable discussion with local public health and environmental stakeholders to discuss the impact of the climate crisis in Michigan, which is outlined in a new report she released on the climate crisis in Michigan. Participants at the event discussed the impact of the climate crisis on public health and how Michigan is leading efforts towards a cleaner and more efficient future.  

“Science is clear. The climate crisis is already impacting Michigan’s public health, our Great Lakes, agriculture and our economy,” said Senator Stabenow. “While there is no silver bullet to address this crisis, Michigan is poised to lead the way in finding solutions. Our state’s investments in renewable and zero emission electricity, energy efficiency and new vehicle technologies are already creating good-paying jobs, lowering the cost of energy and reducing the impact of the climate crisis.”

Senator Stabenow’s new report titled “The Climate Crisis and Michigan” documents scientific research on the impact of climate change in Michigan. The impact on our public health can be seen in greater exposure to disease-carrying mosquitoes and ticks, more smog that hurts children and adults with asthma and other serious respiratory ailments, and an extended allergy season.

The report outlines how Michigan is uniquely positioned to address the climate crisis through improved energy efficiency, clean energy vehicles and infrastructure, and renewable and zero emission electricity. Michigan currently ranks first in the Midwest for clean energy jobs and fifth in the country. Michigan’s clean-energy industry is expected to grow another 9% in 2019, more than any other state in the Midwest.

Michigan is transitioning towards a cleaner energy portfolio and numerous cities have committed to achieving as much as 100% renewable energy generation in the coming decades. There are more than 11,400 renewable energy jobs in Michigan, including more than 10,000 focused on the manufacturing and installation of wind turbines and solar panels.

“Climate change poses a serious risk to our public health, which is why we are pleased to have a discussion with Senator Stabenow on how to address this issue in Michigan,” said Debbie Edokpolo, Deputy Health Officer of Ingham County Health Department. “Finding proactive solutions helps us protect and promote the health of Ingham County residents every day.”

“Air pollution like smog poses a serious threat to our nation’s health,“ said Kenneth Fletcher, Director of Advocacy at American Lung Association in Michigan and Ohio. “We thank Senator Stabenow for her commitment to fighting for healthy air by addressing the issues of climate change.”

“Climate change is threatening the health of Michiganders in communities across the state right now, from extreme weather to record-high water levels and toxic algae blooms,” said Anne Marie Hertl, West Michigan Regional Coordinator of Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “We are happy to partner with Senator Stabenow as we work toward bold solutions to tackle climate change and protect our air, land, drinking water and Great Lakes for generations to come.”