Elayne Elliott at the White House on January 11 for a session with Vice President Kamala Harris on implementing new climate and environmental justice laws. Photo courtesy of Elayne Elliott.
Chapter Director Elayne Elliott Takes on 2023: As she takes on her new role as the Michigan Chapter Director, Elayne Elliott is committed to continuing the progress Sierra Club members and staff have made in the Great Lakes State. She brings a strong commitment to protecting the Great Lakes, ensuring the health of Michigan's forests and securing Michigan's clean energy future. In addition, she counts addressing environmental injustices and protecting democracy at the top of the list for the chapter. Elayne notes that "these are top priorities for the Sierra Club in Michigan so we can continue to enjoy and explore our planet." Learn more about Elayne here and read details below and in the next edition about the chapter's work in 2023.
Tobin Harbor, Isle Royale National Park. Photo by Anne Woiwode.
Make Michigan Your Priority in 2023: With many critical challenges ahead this year, your financial support of Sierra Club Michigan Chapter has never been more important. Your gift supports the Michigan Sierra Club's effective, citizen-based advocacy efforts. Despite strong opposition from companies like Enbridge and DTE, we will be stronger with your help. Please take a moment and support your Chapter by clicking the button below, and thank you!
Michigan Chapter interns, volunteers and staff met with Rep. Donna Lasinski (center with hands on desk) at the Michigan State Capitol during a past legislative session. File photo.
Legislative Agenda for 2023: The new 102nd Michigan State Legislature has officially gaveled in for the legislative session. Sierra Club is looking forward to working with this legislative body to push legislative and budget priorities. With the new environmentally-friendly majority in Lansing, 2023 promises to be a year full of opportunities to advance an agenda that will provide wins for the climate, water, jobs, economy and families at a time when the planet needs it most. Read about the Michigan Chapter’s plans for legislative engagement in 2023 at the button below, and find out how to join the effort by contacting Tim at tim.minotas@sierraclub.org.
DTE Monroe plant, photo by Analicia Hazelby/AMH Creative LLC.
DTE’s Monroe Plant Update: Sierra Club helped move Consumers Energy beyond coal last year and in 2023 we’re setting our sights on DTE. In late 2022, the utility filed a long-term energy plan that would keep Michigan's largest climate polluter, the Monroe coal plant, open for over a decade. And to make matters worse, this plant, the third largest greenhouse gas emitter in the country, might be converted to another fossil fuel in 2035.
Before DTE can implement this new plan, the company has to get approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission, which has the power to reject or force the utility to improve its plan. And that means there is still time for us to get clean energy instead of more fossil fuels.
Want to learn more or get involved? Start by submitting a comment to the Commission at the button below or email mike.berkowitz@sierraclub.org.
Detroit high school student on the challenge wall at Detroit Public Schools Community District Camp Burt Shurly during Thrive Outside Days, October 2022 (l). BOLD & GOLD leaders and participants at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Summer 2022 (r). Photos courtesy of Detroit Outdoors.
Detroit OutdoorsReady for New Year: Detroit Outdoors wrapped up a busy 2022 and is excited for the new year. Planet Detroit's news summary of the year included their coverage of our Michigan Ice Fest trip as the third most-read article of 2022. That was a good boost to wrap up the year. As we head into 2023, we are excited to advance the Thrive Outside Detroit supported by the Outdoor Foundation with a diverse range of southeast Michigan partners. One particular strategy we are using to lower the nature equity gap for Detroit Area youth is the YMCA BOLD & GOLD Program. Visit the program webpage for more information about this wilderness youth development program or to register for a trip. Find out more by contacting garrett.dempsey@sierraclub.org.
2022 elected Executive Committee members Yousef Rabhi, Marty Habalewsky, Androni Henry, Felicia Eshragh and Aghogho Edevbie (l to r). File photos.
Welcome New Executive Committee Members: Congratulations and thanks to all of the Sierra Club members who ran in the 2022 Michigan Chapter Executive Committee (ExCom) Election. The candidates elected are Aghogho Edevbie, Felicia Eshragh, Marty Habalewsky, Androni Henry and Yousef Rabhi. Many thanks to two ExCom members whose terms are ending now, Vicki Dobbins and Jeff Burtka, and to Randy Young for his candidacy.
Bumblebee on New England aster (l). Black swallowtail butterfly on bee balm (r). Photos by Anne Woiwode.
Explore and Enjoy:Supporting Pollinators in Your Neighborhood, HVG, January 17 at 7:30 p.m.. The Michigan Chapter's Huron Valley Group hosts a presentation by Eileen Dickenson and Rita Mitchell on the importance of supporting pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The event will be offered both in person and virtually. Eileen and Rita will cover options for how to get started this spring.
The Huron Valley Group (HVG) covers most of the Huron River Watershed, including Washtenaw, Lenawee and Monroe Counties. Find out more about HVG outings, programs and advocacy work on their website here.
