Facing brutal winters just got more challenging in Michigan where Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pressed through another progressive move on renewable energy.
On the heels of several other maneuvers meant to push Michigan residents into electric vehicle ownership, Whitmer is now forcing the state government’s entire fleet of vehicles to be zero-emission by the next decade.
An executive order signed Tuesday directs that by 2033, all state-owned light-duty vehicles must transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) while all medium and heavy-duty vehicles must follow and do the same by 2040.
We’re revving up our commitment to clean energy!
To drive our journey towards a cleaner, greener Michigan we’re flipping the switch to convert all state-owned vehicles to zero-emission vehicles. Let’s put the pedal to the metal and drive towards a more sustainable future!
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) December 5, 2023
“Michigan automakers are on the cutting-edge of the world’s switch to zero emission vehicles, and with today’s executive directive to transition our state-owned fleet by 2040, the State of Michigan is leading by example,” Whitmer said in a statement.
“With today’s executive directive, I am directing state agencies to begin the process of converting vehicles owned and operated by the state to ZEVs by 2033 for light-duty vehicles and 2040 for medium and heavy-duty vehicles,” she added.
“Getting this done will help drive demand of Michigan-made electric vehicles, lower gas and maintenance costs for the state since ZEVs cost far less to fuel and maintain and reduce air and noise pollution in our communities,” she claimed.
“The executive directive instructs Michigan state departments and agencies to prioritize purchasing ZEVs in their fleets, prioritize transitioning vehicles that travel the most miles first, and prioritize transitioning vehicles located in communities “historically impacted by higher pollution.” It also requires the installation of EV charging infrastructure in high-density areas,” Fox News reported.
The governor’s move may not have been so shocking given that just last week, she signed seven sweeping green energy bills that included directives for utility providers to meet a 100% clean energy standard by 2040.
Her latest dictatorial move on state-owned vehicles was met with giddy applause from the United Auto Workers union which likely saw dollar signs in the future.
“The UAW applauds the State of Michigan for showing that the electric vehicle transition doesn’t have to be a race to the bottom,” UAW President Shawn Fain said Tuesday. “We encourage the state to purchase union-made EVs for all state vehicles, giving America’s autoworkers their fair share of this historic moment for the American auto industry.”
Glenn Stevens Jr., vice president of automotive and mobility initiatives at the Detroit Regional Chamber, praised the “significant step” by Whitmer.
“Moving our state vehicles to clean energy propulsion systems is a significant step towards Michigan’s leadership as a clean energy economy,” he said, according to Fox News. “Our state fleet will be a leading example of zero-emission vehicles on our roads and will help set a precedent for all public and personal transportation to move in this direction.”
But as the left celebrated the seemingly unrealistic goals, skeptics and critics delivered reality checks on Whitmer’s autocratic control of Michigan’s economy.
“This is a dark day for hardworking Michigan families, farmers, and small business owners,” state Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt said in a statement after Whitmer signed the extensive energy package last week.
“While the people of Michigan are still struggling with higher costs, Lansing Democrats are applauding the imposition of far-left, unworkable energy mandates that will further increase energy costs and make Michigan energy less reliable,” he added, calling out Democrats for “imposing a progressive, partisan pipedream that has consistently failed.”
Social media reactions to Tuesday’s executive order were just as grim.
I can’t wait to see those electric snow plows clearing all the Michigan snow
— Ultra Nuclear MAGA Mr Carl Bertolli. (@MrCBertolli) December 5, 2023
She should have an electric vehicle and when it runs out of power during a blizzard I won’t be sad.
— BigBrother (@BigBro7000) December 6, 2023
That’s going to cost the tax payers a fortune.
— NO BOZOS (@BozosNo23) December 6, 2023
It will also make response to winter emergencies nearly impossible without utilizing diesel generators.
It’s a horrible idea.
— Face Man (@Faceman_TX) December 5, 2023
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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
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