October 6, 2021: Energy Efficiency Day

WHEREAS, energy efficiency continues to be the cheapest, quickest, and cleanest way to meet our energy needs and reduce utility bills for residential, business, and industrial customers; and,

 

WHEREAS, energy efficiency can also make our homes and workspaces healthier, safer, and more comfortable; and,

 

WHEREAS, smarter energy use reduces the amount of electricity we need to power our lives, which helps avoid power plant emissions that can harm our health, pollute our air, and warm our climate; and,

 

WHEREAS, cutting energy waste saves U.S. consumers billions of dollars on their utility bills every year, up to $500 per household from appliance efficiency standards alone; and,

 

WHEREAS, implementing energy efficiency and other clean energy policies and programs can help boost economic opportunities and job creation while continuing to move toward a sustainable future; and,

 

WHEREAS, jobs in the energy efficiency sector are local, good-paying, and cannot be outsourced, and students are urged to explore clean energy training at community colleges, private businesses, or union training centers throughout Michigan; and,

 

WHEREAS, Michigan is committed to reducing energy use in all current and future state facilities, and energy efficiency is a key pillar of combatting climate change and reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2050; and,

 

WHEREAS, the residents of Michigan can continue to contribute to the state's energy efficiency efforts by learning about and participating in community and industrial energy efficiency programs through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's (EGLE) State Energy Program; and,

 

WHEREAS, EGLE's State Energy Program promotes energy efficiency through grants and funding opportunities for lighting retrofits, equipment upgrades, and energy-related implementation projects; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' Energy and Weatherization Assistance Programs reduce energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety; and,

 

WHEREAS, together, the residents of Michigan can continue to contribute to our sustainability efforts by learning more about energy efficiency and practicing smarter energy use in their daily lives; and,

 

WHEREAS, improved energy codes for homes and commercial buildings can also significantly reduce utility costs and create new jobs; and,

 

WHEREAS, a nationwide network of energy efficiency groups and partners has designated the first Wednesday in October as the fifth national annual Energy Efficiency Day;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 6, 2021, as Energy Efficiency Day in Michigan and urge citizens to join us in supporting our clean energy goals and moving toward more energy efficiency now and in the future.