Michigan funding climate efforts after Trump tried to claw back federal dollars

DETROIT, MI – Michigan announced its first climate grant challenge funded with federal infrastructure money the Trump administration tried to claw back earlier this year.

Hundreds of climate action advocates and professionals were among the first to learn about this new grant contest at the annual state climate conference Tuesday, April 22, in downtown Detroit. Michigan officials said they are moving forward with climate action efforts, regardless of changing political winds.

“No matter what the headwinds may be, no matter the lies that are told, no matter the threats that are made, we must only move in one direction here in the state of Michigan,” said Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II on Tuesday afternoon.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to address those attending the climate conference Wednesday afternoon.

Gilchrist said state government remains committed to investments in clean energy and climate solutions to achieve Michigan’s 2050 carbon-neutrality goal, despite “those who stand against us as we make progress on our planet.”

This is the first time Michigan will spend a portion of its $156 million in federal inflation reduction dollars awarded under the Biden administration’s $7 billion nationwide Solar for All program.

The money was previously caught in a freeze on federal grants ordered by President Donald Trump in January shortly after he took office, though funds were subsequently released.

“We’re moving forward with this program because we have access to the funds,” said Cory Connolly, Michigan’s chief climate officer.

However, state officials said they will continue to closely watch federal actions on Solar for All program funding, which is a reimbursement system.

This new Solar for Savings grant competition will dedicate nearly $9 million from Michigan’s slice of federal solar funds toward pilot projects in residential and community solar, home upgrades, and energy storage. State, local, and tribal governments can apply for grants, along with nonprofit organizations, churches, schools, colleges, universities, and more.

Officials said this is the state’s first climate grant challenge, but more will be announced throughout the year.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy worked to build the state’s broader solar program since last year. Goals are to reduce climate-warming carbon emissions, while also reducing residential electricity bills by an average of 20% for participating households.

The White House previously said its funding freeze would ensure federal payments complied with Trump’s agenda, which includes increasing production of climate-warming fossil fuels. The administration since rescinded its order pausing the federal dollars.

Meanwhile, two federal judges also blocked the Trump administration from withholding the already allocated federal solar money.

Nevertheless, state governments, universities, and nonprofits argue federal agencies continue to block funding for a range of other programs.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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