Bold goal would help ensure state that put the world on wheels remains in the driver’s seat
DETROIT, Mich. – Michigan should adopt a goal of 100% clean cars by 2030, a coalition of organizations from across the state said today in launching the MI Clean Cars 2030 campaign as the North American International Auto Show continues and the National Drive Electric Week kicks off tomorrow.
Electric cars have been a key feature of the auto show and are rapidly gaining public acceptance,” said Charles Griffith, climate and energy program director for the Ecology Center. “With a clean cars target and comprehensive plan, the Motor City and the state that famously put the world on wheels can continue being a national and global leader in vehicle manufacturing.
Michigan can achieve 100% electric vehicle (EV) sales by 2030, supporting Big Three automakers and union jobs while also amplifying the multitude of health benefits this clean transition would make to our air and water.
Electric vehicles save consumers money by costing less than half of what a gasoline car costs to fuel and maintain,” said Amy Rogghe, co-founder of the Michigan Electric Vehicle Alliance. “Having a 100% electric vehicle target by 2030 would really put Michigan in the driver’s seat. Michigan would be leading and not following what’s already happening in the industry.
Led by the Ecology Center and the Michigan Electric Vehicle Alliance, the campaign intends to use Michigan’s automotive expertise and know-how to build on the recent policy ambitions of other states, including Washington and California. Other campaign supporters include a broad range of health, automotive, environmental and social justice organizations including the Michigan Sierra Club, Asthma & Allergy Foundation of American – Michigan Chapter, and the Greater Grand Rapids NAACP.
The auto industry has created good, middle-class jobs for a lot of Michigan families. It’s also created a tremendous amount of air pollution that many of our black, brown and indigenous populations live with on a daily basis,” said Kareem Scales, executive director for the Greater Grand Rapids NAACP. “For the average commuter, one hour per day spent in traffic equates to passively smoking 180 cigarettes per year. Anyone who has to breathe in dirty air caused by gas-powered cars is paying the price for that pollution.
Michigan is home to General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis North America, which are making significant investments in their companies’ transition to all-electric fleets, many by or before 2035. The MI Clean Cars 2030 campaign is calling for Michigan to create a bold target and comprehensive plan to equitably deploy EV infrastructure, provide EV purchase incentives and take other needed steps to transition to 100% EV sales by 2030.
This includes detailed recommendations on:
- Investments needed in EV charging infrastructure - with focus on frontline communities
- Job transition and retraining needs
- Purchase incentives for MI-made electric vehicles
- Plan to bring more EV manufacturing to MI, including battery plants
- Assistance for low- and moderate-income residents to get access to EV’s
- Public education to promote EV ownership
- Conversion of state and local vehicle fleets
- Development of a more equitable replacement for EV registration fees
- Promotion of battery safety and recycling opportunities
The state has made good progress toward a comprehensive planning effort through the Governor’s Council on Future Mobility and Electrification and Council and Climate Solutions. The recently released MI Future Mobility Plan, as well as MI Healthy Climate Plan, provide a solid foundation for moving the state to a 100% electric vehicle future. Where those plans fall short is setting an ambitious EV target and addressing all the policies and programs needed to achieve it.
Michigan polling shows strong public support for a 100% EV sales by 2030 goal, with 55% of Michigan voters supporting.
For more information on the MI Clean Cars 2030, please visit the website.
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