Rolling Back the Clock: How Project 2025 Could Devastate Michigan’s Environment

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Ann Arbor, MI - As the 2024 election approaches, one thing is clear: the environmental progress made in recent years hangs in the balance. At the center of the debate is Project 2025, a controversial plan developed by the Heritage Foundation that threatens to undo much of the progress made under the Biden-Harris administration. The stakes are particularly high for Michigan, a state that has become a national leader in clean energy and environmental protection. But according to the Michigan League of Conservation Voters if Project 2025 becomes a reality, Michigan’s air, land, and water could face serious consequences.

Rolling Back Michigan’s Historic Clean Energy Investments

In recent years, Michigan has emerged as a leader in the clean energy sector, thanks to federal legislation like the Biden-Harris Inflation Reduction Act and the Clean Energy and Jobs Act. These policies have sparked over 62 new clean energy projects, created nearly 22,000 good-paying jobs, and attracted $26.6 billion in clean energy investments. Michigan’s clean energy future is bright—but that future is at risk under Project 2025.

The plan threatens to repeal key federal laws like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which have been instrumental in driving clean energy initiatives across the state. Without federal support, Michigan’s ambitious goals to transition to low-cost, reliable clean energy could stall, putting years of progress at risk. The elimination of these laws would halt the influx of billions of dollars earmarked for clean energy projects, energy efficiency upgrades, and lower energy costs for Michigan families.

Eliminating Environmental Regulations and Restricting Accountability

One of the most alarming aspects of Project 2025 is its aim to weaken or even shut down the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA plays a critical role in protecting Michigan’s most precious resources, particularly the Great Lakes, from pollution and contamination. Without the EPA’s oversight, the ability to enforce pollution controls and hold polluters accountable would be significantly weakened, leaving Michigan’s air, land, and water at risk.

The potential elimination of the EPA would be devastating for Michigan’s efforts to protect its natural resources, especially the Great Lakes, which provide drinking water to millions of residents and support a thriving economy. Without federal oversight, state agencies like the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) would struggle to maintain clean water standards and prevent environmental disasters. Communities, particularly low-income and communities of color, would be disproportionately affected, facing greater exposure to pollution and environmental hazards.

Gutting Drinking Water Protections for Toxic PFAS Chemicals

Michigan is no stranger to the dangers of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination, with hundreds of sites across the state impacted by these harmful chemicals. PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, liver disease, and reproductive problems. In recent years, the EPA has taken significant steps to protect public health by setting standards for PFAS in drinking water and funding cleanup efforts.

Project 2025, however, threatens to roll back these critical protections. The plan calls for revisiting the designation of PFAS as hazardous substances and weakening regulations and enforcement. This rollback would hinder Michigan’s efforts to combat PFAS contamination, leaving communities vulnerable to continued exposure to these dangerous chemicals. More than a decade of progress on PFAS protections could be undone, putting thousands of lives at risk.

Doubling Down on Fossil Fuels and Dismantling Climate Resilience

While much of the world is moving toward clean energy and climate resilience, Project 2025 advocates for a return to fossil fuel dependence. The plan would expand oil and gas drilling on federal lands and waters, and it threatens to dismantle Michigan’s efforts to combat climate change. One of the most concerning elements of this strategy is the potential continued operation of the Line 5 pipeline, which runs through the Straits of Mackinac and poses a significant environmental risk to the Great Lakes.

By stalling the transition to cleaner forms of energy and keeping dangerous pipelines operational, Project 2025 could significantly increase the likelihood of environmental disasters in Michigan. Additionally, the elimination of climate resilience programs would strip communities of the resources needed to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as severe weather events, floods, and storms.

A Stark Choice for Michigan's Future

As Election Day approaches, voters are faced with a stark choice. Project 2025 presents a vision of the future that threatens to undo decades of environmental progress and roll back critical protections for Michigan’s natural resources. The potential consequences of this plan are far-reaching and could significantly impact the state’s air, land, water, and clean energy future. The stakes could not be higher for Michigan, making the 2024 election a pivotal moment for the state's environment.