LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday announced her appointments to the state’s new Council on Climate Solutions.
Back in September, the governor signed an executive order creating the council, which acts in an advisory capacity to Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).
Members formulate and oversee the implementation of the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which will serve as the action plan for the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward economywide carbon neutrality by 2050.
“Since taking office, I have been focused on addressing the issues that are facing Michiganders,” Whitmer said. “In the case of climate change, the science is clear. Climate change is directly impacting our public health, our environment, our economy and our families.”
The council will include EGLE Director Liesl Clark, who will serve as chair, the directors of the Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, Labor and Economic Opportunity, Natural Resources, Transportation and Health and Human Services, the chair of the Michigan Public Service Commission, the state treasurer and the CEO of MEDC.
Whitmer appointed the following individuals:
W. Frank Beaver, of Manistee: director of the natural resources department for the Littler River Band of Ottawa Indians
Mary F. Draves, of Midland: chief sustainability officer and vice president of environmental health and safety and sustainability for the Dow Chemical Company
Kerry Duggan, of Detroit: founder and principal of SustainabiliD
James C. Harrison, II, of Port Huron: director of renewable energy for Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO
Brandon J. Hofmeister, of Ann Arbor: senior vice president of governmental, regulatory, and public affairs for Consumers Energy
Marnese K. Jackson, of Pontiac: co-director of Fresh Energy - Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition
Phyllis D. Meadows, Ph.D., of Ann Arbor: senior fellow in health programming for The Kresge Foundation
Jonathan T. Overpeck, Ph.D., of Ann Arbor: the Samuel A. Graham Dean and Williams B. Stapp Collegiate Professor of Environmental Education at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability
Tanya Paslawski, of East Lansing: director of strategic initiatives at the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council and a senior consultant with 5 Lakes Energy
Cynthia Render-Williams, of Farmington Hills: global director of sustainability, homologation, and compliance for Ford Motor Company
Phillip D. Roos, of Ann Arbor: CEO of Great Lakes GrowthWorks, LLC.
Derrell E. Slaughter, of Lansing: Michigan clean energy advocate for the Natural Resource Defense Council and an Ingham County Commissioner
Samuel Stolper, Ph.D., of Detroit: assistant professor for the University of Michigan School for Environmental and Sustainability
Ronald Voglewede, of Saint Joseph: chief sustainability officer and director of global sustainability for Whirlpool Corporation
In addition to the appointed members, the council will establish liaisons to other related Councils and advisory workgroups to assist in performing its duties and responsibilities.
The following individuals will serve as Council liaisons and Chairs for the advisory workgroups:
Cory Connolly, of Detroit: vice president of policy for the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council and the project manager for the Michigan Clean Energy Leaders Project
Justin Onwenu, of Detroit: health communities and environmental justice program organizer for the Sierra Club
Charlotte Jameson, of Ann Arbor: program director for legislative affairs, energy, and drinking water for the Michigan Environmental Council
Douglas Jester, of East Lansing: partner with 5 Lakes Energy
Charles J. Griffith, of Ann Arbor: director of the climate and energy program for the Ecology Center
Steven Holty, of Midland: sustainability team leader with Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation
Lauren T. Cooper, of Lansing: director of the forest carbon and climate program at the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
