As the Michigan legislature works on the FY 2026 state budget, Clean Fuels Michigan advocates for strategic investments to accelerate the transition to clean mobility and support Michigan’s leadership in automotive innovation. Our priorities focus on supporting clean fuel and fleet deployments, strengthening the clean mobility workforce, and making smart state investments to transition the state fleet to zero-emission vehicles. These investments will ensure Michigan remains at the forefront of the rapidly evolving clean mobility sector, supporting businesses, creating jobs, improving efficiency, and reducing long-term costs.
Modernize Michigan’s Transportation Infrastructure
Michigan should invest in clean fuel infrastructure and support fleet transitions to zero-emission vehicles.
Our Ask: $45 million for clean fuel infrastructure and to support the transition of public and private fleet vehicles to EVs. Funds will be added to EGLE’s Clean Fuel and Charging Infrastructure program to fill gaps in Michigan’s EV charging network. The program is focused on supporting EV charger deployments for residents in multifamily housing, fleet charging applications for transit, municipal, and small business fleets, and addressing gaps in Michigan’s DC Fast Charging network. Funding in the new fiscal year should continue to address these gaps while tackling charging infrastructure disparities in Michigan’s rural communities. It should also provide fleet operators with access to funding for clean vehicle purchases to complement the investment in infrastructure.
Attract and Retain Top Talent
A strong clean mobility workforce is essential for Michigan to remain competitive in the evolving automotive landscape. Investments in workforce development should focus on retaining the state’s existing talent while developing new talent in the clean mobility industries.
Our Ask: $54 million for the Going Pro Talent Fund. This longstanding program has helped businesses in Michigan train new and existing employees. The program can be improved by dedicating a portion of the funds to clean mobility businesses and workforce development programs. This funding allows businesses to offer training for employees to gain new skills and credentials in the clean mobility industry.
Smart State Investments to Lead By Example
Michigan should demonstrate leadership by making investments that reduce long-term costs and enhance government efficiency. By transitioning the state fleet to zero-emission vehicles aligned with Governor Whitmer’s Executive Directive, Michigan can save taxpayer dollars and support the state’s growing clean mobility sectors.
Our Ask: $6 million to fund the state fleet transition to zero-emission vehicles. The state has appropriated $1 million to Michigan’s Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB) for the previous two years to collect data on the state fleet to decide which vehicles are best positioned to transition. Now, the department needs additional funding to cover the upfront cost of the zero-emission vehicles. However, the state should expect savings over the total lifecycle of the vehicles due to the lower total cost of owning and operating electric vehicles. Governor Whitmer’s proposed executive budget recommendation includes $5 million in funding to DTMB for an energy efficiency revolving fund. This could be used to support the state fleet transition.
Why These Investments Matter
Michigan has long been a global leader in the automotive industry. As the industry transitions toward electrification and clean fuels, Michigan must make targeted state investments to stay competitive. Investment at the state level is especially important following the uncertainty of many federal funding programs. By prioritizing infrastructure, workforce development, and state fleet electrification, Michigan can spur innovation in the clean mobility industries. This will support local business and job growth, and save taxpayer dollars by improving government operating efficiency.
Clean Fuels Michigan and our members are encouraged to see many of these priorities reflected in Governor Whitmer’s Executive Budget recommendation. We are eager to see these recommendations included in the final state budget. We urge policymakers to support these investments to ensure Michigan remains a leader in clean mobility.
