Sec. of Energy Jennifer Granholm, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens visit OU

Part of President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda deals with infrastructure and a commitment to clean energy.

In growing community awareness for the plan, United States Secretary of Energy (and former Michigan Governor) Jennifer Granholm came to Oakland University on August 5 to host a panel discussion with several business leaders. She was joined by United States Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI 11^th district). 

The group discussed the bipartisan infrastructure deal currently being debated in the U.S. Senate and ways that the bill could benefit Michigan. The bill calls for the following investments in Michigan:

• $7.3 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $563 million for bridge replacement and repairs
• $1 billion over five years to improve public transportation options across the state
• $110 million over five years to support the expansion of an electric vehicle charging network in the state. Michigan will also have the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to electric vehicle charging in the bill.
• A minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 398,000 Michiganders who currently lack it. And, 2,482,000 or 25% of people in Michigan will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford Internet access

They also discussed the President’s 48c tax credit that incentivizes domestic clean energy manufacturing, funding for workforce development, a clean energy standard, and other important climate and clean energy investments so America can compete for the $23 trillion global market for products that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.