Sierra Club - Michigan Chapter News Releases

Groups: New plan prioritizes communities impacted most by climate change, outlines actions to improve public health

2022-04-21T17:09:00.003-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, April 21, 2022

CONTACT: Stephanie Cepak, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, scepak@byrumfisk.com

Groups: New plan prioritizes communities impacted most by climate change, outlines actions to improve public health

Groups respond to final MI Healthy Climate plan and what it means for Michigan

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released the MI Healthy Climate plan that outlines policies to significantly reduce dangerous pollution in our air and water, prioritize communities that have shouldered the burden of pollution for far too long, and improve public health as it guides Michigan to achieve our state and international climate goals.

The following are statements from organizations upon release of the MI Healthy Climate Plan:

“We appreciate the leadership of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to set Michigan on a strong path toward addressing the impacts of climate change and protecting future generations of Michiganders,” said Conan Smith, President & CEO of the Michigan Environmental Council. “The MI Healthy Climate plan packs a punch. Whether it’s expanding our state’s use of wind and solar, repairing and improving Michigan’s building stock to make homes more energy efficient or aligning our state with the federal government’s Justice40 funding guidelines, the hours of work that have gone into creating this plan are worth it because Michigan is truly poised to make huge strides in tackling the climate crisis.”

“We know the status quo in Michigan has led to higher rates of asthma and respiratory disease than other parts of the nation, and our frontline low-income and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities have shouldered the burden of dirty air and water for far too long,” said Kathleen Slonager, RN, AE-C, CCH, Director Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America - Michigan Chapter. “This MI Healthy Climate plan is a plan for action. Action to finally clean up our act and put Michigan on a clean energy and clean vehicle pathway. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has sounded the call and now we must work together with the Legislature and Michigan Public Service Commission to cut 28% of state emissions by 2025 and achieve economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050.”

“The MI Healthy Climate Plan creates a roadmap for our state to move off fossil fuels with the urgency that science and justice demands,” said Kate Madigan, director of the Michigan Climate Action Network. “For communities across Michigan that have been going it alone on their sustainability goals and responding to increasing flooding and other climate impacts for years, they finally have a partner in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. She is willing to do what it takes to reduce dangerous pollution coming from tailpipes and power plants to protect our Great Lakes, create safer communities and improve the health of all Michiganders.”

“For environmental organizations like Sierra Club that have been doing this work for a long time, we are so thankful to have the MI Healthy Climate plan,” said Tim Minotas, legislative and political coordinator for Sierra Club Michigan. “So much effort has gone into laying out these bold goals for our great state and more work remains in implementing policies necessary to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. We are excited for this moment and what the future holds for Michigan.”

Budget put forward by Senate Republicans fails to prioritize environmental protection and public health

2022-04-21T13:12:00.004-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 4/21/2022

CONTACT: Sarah Tresedder, sarah.tresedder@sierraclub.org, 906-869-4167

Budget put forward by Senate Republicans fails to prioritize environmental protection and public health

LANSING, MI - Earlier this week, Senate Republicans released a state budget that would slash a record amount of funding for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Under their budget proposals (SB 839-840), we would see hundreds of cuts in full time employees and hundreds of millions of dollars in cuts to EGLE and the DNR.

What does this mean? State Parks that have been seeing a record number of visitors could close, the over 24,000 contaminated toxic sites across Michigan would not be cleaned up, our state’s ability to update our water infrastructure hindered, and our transition to a clean energy and transportation system stifled. Furthermore, Michigan’s environmental agencies that are already severely underfunded will not be able to properly monitor, investigate, enforce laws, or run the necessary programs and services that so many Michiganders expect from our government in order to protect Michigan’s natural resources and move our state forward.

With a major budget surplus and dollars coming in from the federal government, the state should not be making these kinds of dangerous budget cuts. Michigan has a monumental opportunity to develop a sustainable state economy -- one that will create tens of thousands of good, family-sustaining jobs, which Governor Whitmer’s budget prioritizes. This is the time to be decisive in saving lives, and bold in charting a path to a genuinely healthier and more equitable future for all Michigan residents.

In response, Tim Minotas, a Legislative and Political Coordinator with the Sierra Club’s Michigan Chapter, released the following statement:

“Michigan’s public lands, natural resources, and infrastructure are essential to the economic and ecological sustainability of our state and the recreational opportunities for our residents. Dangerous budget cuts like these from the legislative majority, undermine the important work of these agencies to protect the environmental and economic health of our state and only benefit corporate polluters. Michiganders want more protection for our Great Lakes, not less. It is very disappointing to see Senate Republicans not share this view and we hope as the budget process continues, we see an EGLE and DNR budget that more reflects the values of Michiganders.”

Michigan’s Infrastructure Deal: A Big First Step to a Sustainable Funding Future

2022-03-25T15:15:00.004-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, March 25, 2022

CONTACT: Sarah Tresedder, sarah.tresedder@sierraclub.org, 906-869-4167

Michigan’s Infrastructure Deal: A Big First Step to a Sustainable Funding Future

Lansing - On Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer was able to strike a deal with the Michigan legislature to pass a bipartisan infrastructure bill totaling $4.7 billion to upgrade Michigan’s failing infrastructure. The deal includes $1.7 billion for drinking water and wastewater system improvements, $450 million for state and local parks, over $90 million for electric vehicles and public transit, and $50 million for energy efficiency and health improvements.

In Michigan’s most recent infrastructure report card by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ACSE), the state received a D grade for drinking water infrastructure, a C- for public transportation, and a C- for energy infrastructure. Given the continuing environmental and public health disasters impacting the state, this funding is coming at a critical time for Michigan’s energy and water infrastructure.

A significant amount of the funds that are included in the budget came from the bipartisan infrastructure deal that passed Congress and was signed by President Biden in November of last year. In response to the state deal passing, Tim Minotas, Sierra Club Michigan’s Political and Legislative Coordinator, had the following to say:

"The bipartisan infrastructure bill passed today by the Michigan legislature is a great down payment for the repairs and upgrades that we must make across our state to deal with climate and other public health impacts. Thanks to leadership from President Biden and Congress, we have unprecedented amounts of money coming to Michigan and Governor Whitmer and the State Legislature deserve credit for working quickly to get money where it needs to go. However, this can't be a one-time deal. We need this level of commitment to ongoing infrastructure upgrades going forward, not short-sighted tax cuts."

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The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 4 million members and supporters nationwide, and over 150,000 in Michigan. In addition to creating opportunities for people of all ages, levels and locations to have meaningful outdoor experiences, the Sierra Club works to safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and litigation. For more information, visit http://www.sierraclub.org

Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Hires New Development Director and First Communications Coordinator

2022-03-24T12:47:00.004-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 03-24-2022

CONTACT: Sarah Tresedder, sarah.tresedder@sierraclub.org

Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Hires New Development Director and First Communications Coordinator

Lansing, MI - The Sierra Club Michigan Chapter is pleased to announce that Sarah Tresedder and Stephanie Szymas have been hired as the new Communications Coordinator and Development Director, respectively. Tresedder will oversee both traditional and digital media work, handling marketing, communications, and press relations for the 55-year-old organization. As Development Director, Szymas will be responsible for managing the Chapter’s fundraising program including donor relations and stewardship, major gift donor identification and solicitation, appeal and grant writing and special events.

Tresedder has worked in various capacities with the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter since 2016, starting as an intern with the political program while earning a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology and a minor in environmental studies from Michigan State University. Her most recent role at the Chapter has been as an organizer on climate and energy issues in West Michigan and at the federal level, during which time she completed studies for two Master degrees in Public Policy and Environmental Health.

Before joining the Sierra Club, Szymas worked as a finance director for political campaigns and has managed donor relations and fundraising for several organizations on the west side of the state. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in fundraising that will help the Chapter achieve its goals to protect Michigan’s environment and communities.

Gail Philbin, Michigan Chapter Executive Director, said the following related to the new hires:

“Sarah has a strong background in science as well as strong communications skills, which will make her a valued resource for the media as well as the Chapter. It’s not often you find this combination, and we’re looking forward to the unique contribution she will make to the fight to elevate important environmental issues and protect the Great Lakes State.”

"Stephanie brings a wide range of experience in non-profit and political fundraising to her new role that will serve her well in her position as development director with the Michigan Chapter. We're excited to have her join the team."

Both new employees are excited to begin these roles and advance the work of the Sierra Club to explore, enjoy, and protect the state, country, and planet.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue advancing the Sierra Club’s mission to explore, enjoy, and protect this state,” Tresedder says. “I hope to be a useful resource for the public, other organizations, and the media and look forward to helping achieve the Michigan Chapter ambitious goals to make this state a leader in clean energy, environmental justice, and climate action.”

"I am thankful and excited to serve as The Sierra Club's Michigan Chapter Development Director.” Szymas says. “I look forward to combining my passion for environmental advocacy with my experience in political and non-profit fundraising to further strengthen The Chapter and continue to protect this great state and our communities."

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Leading Environmental Organizations Endorse Jocelyn Benson for Secretary of State

2022-03-15T10:07:00.002-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2022

CONTACT: Sean McBrearty, Clean Water Action, 616-516-7758

Christy McGillivray, Sierra Club, 808-726-5325

Leading Environmental Organizations Endorse Jocelyn Benson for Secretary of State

LANSING- Today, Clean Water Action and Sierra Club Michigan Chapter announced their endorsement of Jocelyn Benson for Secretary of State.

“Jocelyn Benson was elected in 2018, when Michigan voters also overwhelmingly supported fortifying ballot access and election security to ensure that every Michigan voter has the opportunity to participate in free and fair elections,” said Christy McGillivray, Political and Legislative Director for Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. “Under Benson’s leadership, these reforms have been quickly and efficiently implemented and more Michigan voters have had a chance to make their voices heard as a result.”

In addition to the election reforms in Proposal 2 of 2018, Benson was also tasked with implementing Michigan’s first ever non-partisan redistricting commission. The Michigan Independent Redistricting Commission has now successfully drawn non-partisan maps which will further ensure that Michigan voters can make their voices heard and hold elected officials accountable. The true test of Benson’s ability to implement these reforms and successfully administer elections came in 2020, when despite the enormous challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and various attempts to thwart the will of the people by restricting ballot access, Benson administered a free and fair election.

“Without a healthy democracy, we are not able to protect our water and respond to the challenges posed by the climate crisis. Protecting our democracy is an integral part of protecting our environment and Jocelyn Benson has been and will continue to be the champion we need,” said Mary Brady-Enerson, Michigan Director of Clean Water Action. “We are proud to endorse her campaign and look forward to continuing to work with her in her second term.”

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Since our founding during the campaign to pass the landmark Clean Water Act in 1972, Clean Water Action has worked to win strong health and environmental protections by bringing issue expertise, solution-oriented thinking and people power to the table. Clean Water Action has over 135,000 members across the state. Through direct advocacy and education we organize Michigan residents to protect the Great Lakes and our water resources. Learn more at www.cleanwateraction.org/mi

Committing to Renewable Energy for Michigan is the Real Solution to Gas Prices

2022-03-09T14:35:00.004-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 9, 2022

CONTACT: Sarah Tresedder, sarah.tresedder@sierraclub.org

Committing to Renewable Energy for Michigan is the Real Solution to Gas Prices

Lansing, MI - Sierra Club Michigan condemns short-sighted Republican budget cuts that will keep Michigan reliant on the volatile fossil fuel market. Today, Republican Lawmakers in the House voted on a short-sighted bill that would repeal the state’s gas tax which would eliminate over $700 million annually from the state budget. This plan comes after the Michigan GOP already sent a tax cut plan totalling over $2.5 billion to the Governor’s desk last week.

Governor Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan is the direction we need to move in. The Governor’s plan moves Michigan away from fossil fuels towards a clean, renewable energy future. Eliminating the state’s gas tax will not solve the national security risk that comes with a continued dependence on foreign fossil fuels from warmongering dictators like Vladimar Putin.

“We must secure real energy independence by speeding up the production of cheaper, homegrown, renewable energy – like wind and solar, and electrified transportation – here in Michigan so we aren’t as impacted by foreign supply chain disruptions or conflicts overseas. That’s how we lower costs for families, provide stability to Michiganders and deliver energy security.” said Tim Minotas, Sierra Club Michigan’s Legislative and Political Coordinator, “However, if we move forward with this proposal this will only hinder our ability to make such investments and will only lock us into more dependence on fossil fuels.”

“Repealing the state gas tax does not protect Michigan in the short or long term from an unstable global fossil fuel economy.” said Christy McGillivray, Legislative and Political Director, “Michigan needs an economy that can sustain itself without foreign fossil fuels or tax cuts for the wealthy and big oil, who are perpetuating and exploiting this crisis in Ukraine to raise prices for record profits”

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Leading Environmental Organizations Endorse Gretchen Whitmer for Governor

2022-03-01T09:52:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 1, 2022

CONTACT: Sean McBrearty, Clean Water Action, 616-516-7758

Christy McGillivray, Sierra Club, 808-726-5325

Leading Environmental Organizations Endorse Gretchen Whitmer for Governor

LANSING- Today, Clean Water Action and Sierra Club Michigan Chapter announced their endorsement of Gretchen Whitmer for Governor of Michigan.

“Gretchen Whitmer puts protecting the Great Lakes first," said Mary Brady-Enerson, Clean Water Action Michigan Director. "Governor Whitmer showed tremendous courage when she ordered the shut down of the dangerous Line 5 oil pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac. She took on the fossil fuel industry to protect one-fifth of the world’s fresh water, and that's the brave leadership we need. She stands up to polluters and prioritizes our water and public health. We need 4 more years of her leadership.”

Governor Whitmer used her first term to establish a series of firsts for environmental protection in Michigan. She created the first positions of Clean Water and Environmental Justice public advocate within the State Government. At her direction, Michigan entered into the US Climate Alliance, established the first ever advisory council on Environmental Justice, and she set up the first Climate Office within a state agency. When COVID-19 hit, Governor Whitmer put a stop to water and utility shut offs statewide, and her ongoing commitment to utility affordability created a direct energy assistance program. Under her leadership stakeholders came together to draft the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which maps out how Michigan should quickly transition to a renewable energy economy and support communities and jobs during the transition. Notably, Governor Whitmer also vetoed anti-democracy bills intended to limit access to the polls for Michiganders after the safe and secure 2020 election. Governor Whitmer knows that we can’t have a healthy environment without a healthy democracy. Her commitment to protecting voting rights is a commitment to protecting the environment.

“With Governor Whitmer at the helm, Michigan is prioritizing long overdue upgrades to our drinking and wastewater infrastructure. However, the job is not done. Years of neglect require years of investment to fix the problem, and we need Governor Whitmer fighting for our Great Lakes for another four years,” said Christy McGillivray, Political and Legislative Director for Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. “We are proud to endorse her campaign and look forward to continuing to work with her in her second term.”

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