LANSING, Mich. – Clean Fuels Michigan released a statement today after the Michigan Senate advanced a significant economic development plan designed to attract business expansion projects to Michigan. The proposed funds would promote private investments and new jobs in Michigan, focusing on industries critical to the state’s success including clean transportation.
The Michigan Strategic Fund would be tasked with implementing a new Michigan Strategic Site Readiness Fund and a Critical Industry Fund. The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity would create a Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve Fund.
Legislators have also indicated willingness to use some of the state’s $6 billion in federal stimulus money to fund the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve Fund, which could then fund the other initiatives included in the legislation.
“Clean mobility solutions like electric and alternative fuel vehicles offer a tremendous opportunity to rebuild after the COVID-19 pandemic, protect public health and invest in local economies,” said Jane McCurry, executive director of Clean Fuels Michigan. “Michigan has the know-how to meet the moment and rebuild stronger by doubling down on our automotive prowess and investing in the next generation of the mobility workforce, and this is a significant step in the right direction. We want to thank our elected leaders for prioritizing investment in clean transportation and other critical Michigan industries in this groundbreaking proposal.”
The MI Clean Future Initiative, a collaborative of 27 corporations and nonprofits, has been advocating for investments in economic development, clean vehicles and infrastructure necessary for Michigan to lead in the clean mobility industry.
“There are notable carveouts in the proposed funding for ensuring a just transition for workers that will need re-skilling or upskilling, in addition to concerted investments in underprivileged and overburdened communities,” said McCurry. “Investments to transition publicly owned vehicles – such as those in the state and municipal fleets as well as transit and school buses – to cleaner fuels and electric vehicles is an extraordinarily important way to invest in local communities and save taxpayer dollars over time. We urge lawmakers to carefully consider the extensive suggestions and reasoning for these investments outlined in the MI Clean Future proposal.”
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