This month, as weather warms and spring arrives, Michiganders begin to think about heading outdoors. As we do so, it’s important to remember there is still fierce debate going on — in the Michigan Legislature and at the federal level — on how best to protect the environment for future generations.
Here (below) is a collection of viewpoints from local activists, advocates and environmentalists who offer solutions to some of the most significant environmental issues facing us today….
Clean mobility helps the Michigan auto industry
Last fall, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act, creating an important down payment to bolster our transportation infrastructure and invest in the future of clean mobility. Across the nation, communities will benefit from these investments.
Michigan will receive billions of dollars to fix roads and bridges, replace lead pipes and more — including substantial investments in clean mobility solutions, such as $1 billion to improve public transportation and another $110 million to build electric vehicle charging stations.
Meanwhile, Congress has continued to consider additional investments, but timing and the specifics have been a moving target. What is clear is the transition to clean transportation will benefit Michigan’s auto industry, support good-paying jobs, lower families’ transportation costs and help make our air healthier to breathe.
Why are investments in clean transportation so important? In Michigan, 20 percent of jobs are tied to the mobility sector. And automakers — many of whom have strong footprints in Michigan — are announcing grand plans to electrify their vehicle offerings, which means Michigan jobs will transition, too. Smart, bold policies that support cleaner mobility technologies in a way that creates good-paying union jobs, grows domestic industries and advances environmental justice is an imperative…
