Press releases from the coalition

Major businesses commend Michigan Governor for quick action on climate change

Major businesses today praised Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for following through on her campaign promise to make climate action a top priority of her administration, taking immediate steps to ensure that all Michiganders will benefit from the economic and public health benefits of the clean energy transition.

Among the businesses praising the new governor are Brewery Vivant, Eileen Fisher, and Worthen Industries.

Last week, Gov. Whitmer signed executive orders to tackle a host of environmental issues ranging from energy to water, including one aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change through reducing greenhouse gas emissions. She also signed an executive directive to add Michigan to the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of 20 governors working to address climate change and advance the goals of the Paris Agreement. In her State of the State on Tuesday, Gov. Whitmer reiterated the need for the state to act swiftly on carbon reduction to protect Michigan’s natural resources and improve the well-being of families and workers.

“We applaud Gov. Whitmer for her leadership in following through on her campaign promise to address climate change in Michigan,” said Anne Kelly, senior director of policy and the BICEP Network at at Ceres, a group organizing business voices in Michigan. “In highlighting the importance of climate in her State of the State speech, and with her recent executive orders, Gov. Whitmer has made it clear she is heeding the call of the business community for quick action. We look forward to working with the governor and the business community to advance stronger climate and clean energy policies in the coming year.”

In Michigan, and across the country, companies are driving the demand for clean energy. Twelve out of Michigan’s 25 largest employers are already investing in local clean energy resources, and a total of 38 companies with a presence in the state have committed to powering their operations with 100 percent renewable energy.

“Worthen Industries is committed to doing our part to drive a clean energy economy. We have invested heavily in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation — including at our processing facility in Grand Rapids,” said Dennis Sasseville, director of corporate sustainability & quality systems at family-owned Worthen Industries.“These clean energy investments help our company maximize output and minimize waste. We applaud Gov. Whitmer for setting the stage to accelerate the transition to clean energy, which will help spur economic growth in the state and allow companies like us to meet our sustainability goals.”

For the past few years, major businesses including Brewery Vivant, Eileen Fisher, General Mills, JLL, Nestle, and Worthen Industries have supported smart clean energy policies, such as an increase to Michigan’s renewable energy and energy efficiency goals resource goals. Strong standards provide policy certainty for companies seeking access to clean energy, and would help Michigan follow through on its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve broader climate goals.

“We applaud Gov. Whitmer for following through on her commitment to climate action,” said Kris Spaulding, owner of Brewery Vivant, based in Grand Rapids. “Tackling climate change is essential if we are to protect Michigan’s thriving brewing industry as well as our state’s economy, environment, and quality of life. Michigan needs policies and programs that support the transition to clean energy in a way that benefits all Michiganders, and we are pleased to see Gov. Whitmer move us in that direction.”

“At Eileen Fisher, sustainability is central to our business, that includes efforts to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Shona Quinn, sustainability leader at Eileen Fisher. “We all have a role to play if we are to address climate change, and we welcome Gov. Whitmer’s executive action to ensure Michigan is able to fully embrace clean energy and usher in a low-carbon future.”

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Ceres is a sustainability nonprofit organization working with the most influential investors and companies to build leadership and drive solutions throughout the economy. For more information, visit www.ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.