Nearly 1,000 individuals from Michigan and across the United States gathered in Detroit for the 2025 MI Healthy Climate Conference, a pivotal event aimed at advancing the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The conference, organized by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), highlighted the state’s “Road to 2030” plan and its efforts to address climate change through collaborative action and innovation.
Held at Huntington Place on Detroit’s riverfront, the conference attracted 919 participants from 19 states and Washington D.C. Attendees represented a diverse range of sectors, including government, academia, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community groups—totaling over 400 organizations. The event also saw extensive media coverage.
Cory Connolly, Michigan’s chief climate officer, expressed the collective spirit of the conference, saying, “To change everything, we need everyone.” The event brought together leaders from industries such as clean energy, agriculture, climate justice, renewable energy, and waste management, among others, to discuss pressing environmental challenges and solutions.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II were among the key speakers. Both officials introduced major state initiatives aimed at accelerating Michigan’s clean energy transition.
Launch of the MI Healthy Climate Challenge
Lt. Governor Gilchrist unveiled the MI Healthy Climate Challenge, a competitive program designed to expedite Michigan’s transition to clean energy. Through this initiative, millions of dollars in green energy grants will be awarded to projects focused on emissions reduction, job creation, and expanding Michigan’s clean energy sector.
Applications for the program’s first competition, Solar for Savings, were opened at the conference. This pilot program within the MI Solar for All initiative aims to provide solar energy solutions to low-income households, enhancing energy resilience and accessibility for communities across the state.
Statewide Michigan Home Energy Rebates Program
Governor Whitmer also introduced the Michigan Home Energy Rebates (MiHER) program, a major new statewide initiative aimed at improving energy efficiency in homes. Michigan residents can now qualify for rebates of up to $34,000 to support energy-efficient upgrades, funded by the federal Inflation Reduction Act.
The MiHER program is divided into two components: Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR). The HER program focuses on funding whole-home energy efficiency upgrades, while HEAR supports the transition to efficient electric technologies in both single-family and multifamily homes.
Focusing on the Roadmap for Clean Energy
At the heart of the conference was Michigan’s MI Healthy Climate Plan (MHCP), which outlines the state’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The plan is designed to foster economic development, create high-paying jobs, reduce energy and transportation costs, and mitigate the effects of climate change, all while safeguarding public health and natural resources.
Keynote speaker Hilary Doe, Michigan’s chief growth officer, shared insights on the state’s progress and the importance of continued collaboration. Over 60 experts from across the country joined in presenting strategies, funding opportunities, and success stories to inspire further action.
Phil Roos, EGLE Director, emphasized Michigan’s leadership in climate action, stating, “The road to 2030 and beyond is a route to a prosperous, healthy, carbon-neutral future for ourselves and generations of Michiganders to come.”
The conference successfully provided a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and mobilizing collective resources as Michigan moves toward its ambitious climate goals. Key sessions from the conference will be available for viewing on EGLE’s YouTube channel.
Related topics:
Is Pork Allowed on the Mediterranean Diet?
What Is Allowed on the Mediterranean Diet?
Does the Mediterranean Diet Work?
