Michigan at a Climate Crossroads: Strategies for guiding the state in a carbon-constrained world

Abstract

The Michigan at a Climate Crossroads: Strategies for Guiding the State in a Carbon- Constrained World Project (MCCP) team developed state-level greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction policies for the State of Michigan to consider as it faces an emerging carbon-constrained world. The MCCP builds upon the results of the Michigan Greenhouse Gas Inventory 1990 and 2002, conducted by the Center for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan. Approximately 180 regional stakeholders representing the industrial, commercial, higher education, government, and non-profit sectors provided the MCCP team with input and feedback throughout the duration of the project. The MCCP team used the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) State Inventory Tool, the Energy 2020 model, and the Regional Economic Modeling, Inc. (REMI) Policy Insight Tool to calculate potential GHG emission reductions and economic impacts of state-level policies. The MCCP demonstrated that enacting policies to reduce GHG emissions can positively affect the state’s economy and reduce GHG emissions. Implementing a set of the statelevel GHG emission reduction policies has the potential to reduce Michigan GHG emissions by 84 million metric tons of carbon equivalent (MMTCE) by 2025, while increasing both gross state product (GSP) by an average of $380 million per year and state employment by roughly 3,400 full-time jobs. The final policy analysis will be provided to members of the Michigan State Legislature and the Office of the Governor.