Broad Coalition Expresses Support for Michigan’s Clean Mobility Budget Proposals

Today, Clean Fuels Michigan submitted a letter with our partners expressing support for clean mobility budget proposals. Governor Whitmer’s State Budget includes numerous proposals to incentivize the transition to cleaner mobility in Michigan. We are very excited to work with the legislature, our members, and advocacy partners to see these programs get funded this year. See the full letter below:

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Dear Chair Witwer, Chair Anthony, Vice Chair O’Neal, Vice Chair McCann, Minority Vice Chair Lightner, Minority Vice Chair Bumstead, Budget Director Harkins, and House and Senate Appropriations Committee Members:

Thank you for your leadership and dedication to the people of Michigan. The signatories to this letter include 26 organizations and businesses representing electric vehicle charging station companies, environmental, sustainability, and health advocates, business organizations, trade organizations, and more. We write today to express our support for state investments in clean transportation solutions that benefit all Michiganders.

Several proposals included in Governor Whitmer’s Executive Budget will help Michigan meet this unique moment in the EV and clean mobility industry. We support the following proposals and urge you to work with your colleagues to fund these programs. These recommendations will support public fleets, protect communities that suffer from poor air quality, and help to provide access to EVs for everyday Michiganders. This is a comprehensive package that will enable faster adoption of low-emission technologies that help meet the Governor’s MI Healthy Climate Plan. These programs will also enhance opportunities to secure additional federal funding, as well as fill in gaps where such funds may not be available or not be sufficient to meet market demand.

• Michigan Clean Fleets Initiative: $45 million (EGLE – Supplemental)
  This program will provide grants to counties, municipalities, airports, and regional transportation authorities to convert fleet operations to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: $65 million (LEO – Supplemental)
  For fast chargers, addressing medium and heavy-duty vehicle charging needs, and residential chargers.
• Electric Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Exemption: $48.4 million (Tax Policy)
  Temporary Sales and Use Tax Exemption on the purchase of electric vehicles to incentivize their adoption by consumers. The tax exemption will be available for a period of two years.
• Critical Minerals Recycling Program: $15 million (EGLE)
  Support research into the reuse of critical materials for clean energy production.
• State Fleet Electrification: $10 million (General Government)
  To begin transitioning the state’s vehicle fleet to electric vehicles, thereby demonstrating the state’s leadership and commitment to new mobility options and support of a clean energy economy.
• Michigan Clean School Bus Program: $150 million (School Aid)
  For grants to support the conversion of school fleets to low or no greenhouse gas emissions operations.