Michigan Business Beat | Alessandra Carreon, EGLE, 2025 MI Healthy Climate Plan Progress Report

Chris Holman welcomes Alessandra Carreon, Chief Climate Officer, EGLE - The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, Lansing, MI. Chris had several questions for Alessandra in this conversation: For those who may not be familiar, can you start by explaining what the MI Healthy Climate Plan is and EGLE’s role in leading this work across Michigan? The 2025 report highlights significant progress since the plan launched in 2022. From EGLE’s perspective, what are the biggest milestones achieved so far? Michigan has reduced greenhouse gas emissions 20% since 2005, with a goal of cutting emissions 52% by 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. How is EGLE coordinating across state agencies to stay on track? The report notes that more than 127,000 Michiganders now work in clean energy jobs. How is EGLE helping ensure that climate action translates into economic growth and job creation across Michigan communities? Affordability is a top concern for both families and employers. What steps is EGLE taking to ensure that clean energy investments lower costs and improve reliability for Michiganders? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) recently released its 2025 MI Healthy Climate Plan Progress Report, outlining how Michigan is reducing emissions while increasing affordability, creating jobs, and strengthening communities. Michigan has reduced greenhouse gas emissions 20% since 2005, highlighting progress toward MI Healthy Climate Plan’s goals of a 52% reduction by 2030 and economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050. More than 127,000 Michiganders now work in clean energy jobs, spanning manufacturing, construction, utilities, and technology. State investments are helping households lower energy costs through efficiency upgrades, clean energy incentives, and utility programs. More than $30 million has now been awarded through the Renewables Ready Communities Awards, supporting 51 counties, cities, and townships hosting renewable energy projects and funding community priorities like road repairs, fire department upgrades, parks, accessibility improvements, and energy upgrades. The report outlines next steps to keep Michigan on track for its 2030 and 2050 climate goals, with a focus on affordability, reliability and equity.