Michigan Climate Action Council

On November 14, 2007, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm issued Executive Order No. 2007-42 establishing the Michigan Climate Action Council (Council). 

The world’s scientific community has concluded with a very high level of confidence that emissions of greenhouse gases are causing the Earth’s climate to warm. Throughout the world, business leaders, governments, and the public are all recognizing the potential impacts of climate change on the economy, environment, and our quality of life. The State of Michigan can play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through encouraging technology innovation and the adoption of policies that provide net economic and environmental benefits.  

The Council is comprised of members representing academia, a broad base of industry, utilities, state and local government, and environmental interest groups. The Council will act in an advisory capacity to:

• Produce an inventory and forecast of greenhouse gas sources and emissions from 1990-2020; 
• Consider potential state and multi-state actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change in various sectors including energy supply, energy efficiency and conservation, industrial process and waste management, transportation and land use, and agriculture and forestry. 
• Develop a comprehensive climate action plan with specific recommendations for reducing greenhouse gases in Michigan by business, government and the general public.
• Advise state and local government on measures to address climate change.

The Governor has asked the Council to complete its work in two phases. In the first phase, by April 30, 2008, the Council will develop an interim report with a list of policy recommendations on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet short-, mid-and long term goals or targets. In the second phase, by December 31, 2008, the Council shall issue a comprehensive Climate Change plan for Michigan. The Plan will further develop the policy recommendations in the interim report and include an assessment of climate change impacts to Michigan including likelihood of occurrence, and recommendations for adaptive measures. The Council shall also recommend legislation to support its recommendations.

The Council is being supported by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, which is the lead state agency for this effort and by the Center for Climate Strategies (CCS) a nonprofit service organization that has substantial experience working directly with public officials and their stakeholders to facilitate the development of climate action plans.

In addition to the Council, there will be five technical work groups that will have further input into the process by reviewing technical documents, developing and reviewing proposed policy actions and recommendations and providing feedback on priorities. (For information on their activities click on the "Technical Work Groups" button at left.)

For detailed information, please visit Executive Order No. 2007-42, Executive Directive 2007-22 and the corresponding press release issued by the Governor.

Homepage of the Michigan Climate Action Council

 MDEQ Climate Change Webpage link

The Michigan Climate Action Plan
MCAC Final Report - March 2009
is now available.

Click here for file. 
[596 pages, 7.6 MB]

For individual sections and background information
click here.