LoginThe Metro: President Trump won’t regulate pollution. Can Michigan do that on its own?
In 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed one of the most aggressive clean energy laws in the country — requiring Michigan utilities to hit 50% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% clean electricity by 2040. That plan assumed federal policy would be moving in the same direction. Things like federal tax credits, Environmental Protection Agency regulations, and infrastructure money for electric vehicles were anticipated to follow.
But that’s not what’s happening now. Last week, the Trump administration revoked the EPA’s ability to regulate pollution.
What does that decision mean for Michigan? What does it mean for DTE and Consumers Energy, which are both tasked with transitioning to clean energy sources instead of relying on things like natural gas?
Liesl Clark is the director of climate action engagement for the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability. She also used to run the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
The Metro‘s Sam Corey spoke with the director about the president’s actions and what she would recommend the state do now.
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