Governor Whitmer Celebrates Fed Investment in Wolverine Power to Revive Palisades Nuclear

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer - 2018Photo byThumbwind Publications

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has praised the Biden-Harris Administration for their announcement of a significant grant awarded to Wolverine Power Cooperative. This investment, part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), is set to lower energy costs and support the reopening of the Palisades Nuclear Plant, which will provide clean and reliable electricity to over 300,000 homes, businesses, and farms in Michigan.

Federal Funding to Boost Michigan's Clean Energy Future

The grant, awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program, marks a pivotal moment in Michigan's push towards a cleaner energy future. The New ERA program, a key component of the IRA, aims to help rural communities transition to affordable and reliable energy sources, while reducing pollution and improving public health. Governor Whitmer expressed her appreciation for the federal support, highlighting the potential impact on Michigan's economy and energy independence.

“The Biden-Harris administration’s investment in Wolverine Power Cooperative and their ongoing commitment to reopen the Palisades Nuclear Plant will drive down energy costs, help us make more clean, reliable energy right here in Michigan, and set us up to compete and win transformational economic development projects in the future,” said Governor Whitmer. She emphasized that the project would not only protect 600 union jobs but also support an additional 1,100 jobs in the community.

Wolverine Power Cooperative's Role in Michigan's Energy Landscape

Wolverine Power Cooperative, a Michigan-based generation and transmission cooperative, plays a crucial role in delivering wholesale electricity to rural and agricultural areas across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. This latest investment aligns with Governor Whitmer's broader goals as outlined in the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which aims to secure a sustainable energy future for the state.

The reopening of the Palisades Nuclear Plant is expected to generate more than 800 megawatts of carbon-free electricity, enough to power 800,000 homes. The plant, which was shut down in May 2022, was later sold to Holtec in June 2022. The revived facility will not only bolster Michigan’s energy supply but also support significant economic growth in the region, including the preservation of high-paying jobs and the injection of millions into the local economy.

A Historic Investment in Clean Energy

The grant to Wolverine Power Cooperative is part of a broader effort by the Biden-Harris Administration to promote clean energy through the Inflation Reduction Act, which represents the largest federal investment in rural electrification since the 1930s. The IRA and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have already sparked 62 new clean energy projects in Michigan, leading to over $26 billion in investments and the creation of more than 21,000 jobs.

Governor Whitmer has been a staunch advocate for these initiatives, recently signing historic clean energy laws in November 2023. These laws position Michigan as a national leader in the fight against climate change, with measures designed to lower utility costs, create tens of thousands of jobs, and protect the environment. Michigan currently leads the Midwest with nearly 124,000 clean energy workers, and clean energy businesses continue to grow at a rapid pace.

Michigan's Commitment to Clean Energy and Job Creation

The reopening of the Palisades Nuclear Plant is not only a win for energy sustainability but also a boost to Michigan’s workforce. With the state's clean energy sector growing nearly twice as fast as the overall economy, investments like these are vital to maintaining momentum and ensuring a resilient energy infrastructure.

Governor Whitmer's collaboration with the Biden-Harris Administration and other stakeholders, including Holtec and Wolverine Power Cooperative, underscores a commitment to making Michigan a leader in the clean energy transition. As these projects move forward, the focus remains on driving down energy costs, securing jobs, and positioning Michigan as a beacon of innovation in clean energy.

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