April, 22 2025: Earth Day

WHEREAS, Michiganders are blessed to steward incredible natural resources like the Great Lakes, countless inland waterways, and expansive forests, mountains, wetlands, and croplands; and,

WHEREAS together, we can overcome environmental challenges and protect Michigan’s natural resources in order to pass them on to future generations; and,

WHEREAS, since April 22, 1970, Earth Day has been celebrated annually across the globe to confront our most pressing environmental issues, unite around a shared mission of protecting the environment we live in, and provide future generations with cleaner air and water, a healthier environment, and a safe and sustainable future; and,

WHEREAS, Earth Day is a valuable opportunity to renew our commitment to preserving and protecting our Earth through community service, responsible stewardship, and daily practices; and,

WHEREAS, the global community still faces challenges including climate change, environmental destruction, deforestation, and air and water pollution; and,

WHEREAS, each and every one of us can contribute to protecting and preserving the planet we share through individual acts such as making our next meal plant-based, using reusable bags, and reducing plastic waste; and,

WHEREAS, at a community level, we can adapt education systems to enhance climate and environmental literacy, advocate for climate action at our schools and workplaces, and volunteer at local environmental organizations; and, 

WHEREAS, in 2020, my administration announced the MI Healthy Climate plan, which aims to protect Michiganders’ public health and the environment and help develop new clean energy jobs by putting Michigan on a path towards becoming fully carbon-neutral by 2050; and, 

WHEREAS, in 2023, I signed a package of clean energy and climate action legislation that is helping Michigan become a national leader in clean energy and help protect our air, and water, including establishing a 100% clean energy standard and giving the Michigan Public Service Commission more tools to fight climate change; and,

WHEREAS, on Earth Day, we should take time to appreciate the planet we live on, recognize the many environmental issues we are facing, and recommit ourselves to doing our part to “Invest in Our Planet,”;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, and Garlin Gilchrist II, lieutenant governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 22, 2025, as Earth Day in Michigan.