Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness June 30 – July 6

Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness June 30 – July 6

by | Jul 1, 2024 | Environmental

 
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News Release
The following news release was issued earlier today by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. 

June 28, 2024
EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278
Kevin Walters, Aquatic Biologist, [email protected], 616-250-8637

Boating, fishing outreach events to mark Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week June 30 – July 6

Over 50 boat landing events are planned across the state to mark this year’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Awareness Week, June 30 to July 6. Public awareness about the impacts of harmful, nonnative aquatic plants and animals is critical to protecting Michigan’s ecosystems, tourism, and economy.

At a landing blitz, two men standing near the motor of a trailered small boat in a parking lot. A woman and a child are standing behind the boat.The boat landing events are part of the 11th Annual AIS Landing Blitz in which local partners such as lake associations and cooperative invasive species management areas (CISMA) give boaters tips to prevent the spread of AIS and comply with laws for recreational boating. The regional Landing Blitz web site allows you to search for an event near you. Similar AIS Landing Blitz events will be held in each of the Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued a proclamation to mark AIS Awareness Week raising awareness about this important issue to stop the spread of invasive aquatic plants and organisms.

What you can do

All boaters and anglers can help prevent the spread of AIS by following some simple steps.
Required actions – it’s the law in Michigan:

  • Remove all aquatic organisms, including plants, from watercraft and trailers before launching or transporting.
  • Remove all drain plugs and drain all water from bilges, ballast tanks, and live wells before transporting a watercraft.
  • Dispose of unused bait in the trash, not in the water.

Recommended additional actions to protect our waters:

  • Clean boats, trailers, and equipment by removing plants, debris and mud before leaving the access area. Dispose of the material in a trash receptacle or otherwise away from the water body, if possible.
  • Wash boats and trailers before leaving the access area, if possible, or at a nearby car wash or at home.
  • Dry boats and equipment for five days before launching into a different water body.
  • Disinfect live wells and bilges with a bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach to 5 gallons water).

An illustration of a boat on a trailer with labels indicating areas to look for and remove aquatic plants and debris.An EGLE NotMISpecies webinar titled, “Clean it Up, Drain it Out, Dry it Off: Boating Hygiene for the 21st Century,” (recorded earlier) shows how easy it is to clean, drain, and dry boats and trailers to help prevent the introduction and spread of AIS.

“Partners around the state are reminding boaters and anglers about the simple steps they can take to prevent the spread of AIS,” said Kevin Walters, Aquatic Biologist, Water Resources Division, EGLE. “If we all clean, drain, and dry our boats, trailers, and gear, we can reduce the likelihood of inadvertently moving AIS when we recreate.”

Events at boat launches are contingent on weather and volunteer availability. Contact Kevin Walters for a list of events.

AIS Awareness Week is sponsored by EGLE’s Water Resources Division, in partnership with the departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development, federal agencies, and private and nonprofit organizations. For more information about AIS Awareness Week or the AIS Landing Blitz visit Michigan’s invasive species Web site at Michigan.gov/Invasives.

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

Landing blitz: Volunteers at an AIS landing blitz in Manistee show owners where to check for and remove aquatic plants and debris from a boat and trailer.

Zebra zapper: After trailering a boat, check these locations for aquatic plants and debris, and drain all bilges and live wells before leaving the launch area.

 
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EGLE $12.6 million in MI Clean Water grants

EGLE $12.6 million in MI Clean Water grants

by | Jul 1, 2024 | Environmental

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2024
EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278

EGLE announces $12.6 million in MI Clean Water grants to help communities upgrade water infrastructure, protect health & environment

A new water well in the Upper Peninsula and grants to assist 28 communities with planning for water system upgrades including lead service line replacements are among $12.6 million in state grants recently awarded to Michigan cities, villages, and townships to protect public health and Michigan’s water resources.

The MI Clean Water Plan grants through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), and support from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) aim to help communities upgrade aging infrastructure, ensure healthy drinking water, and protect Michigan’s environment.

Seventy percent of Michiganders are served by more than 1,000 community wastewater systems and a similar percentage get drinking water from community water systems. Those systems often struggle to find resources to address legacy issues like aging drinking water and storm water facilities and emerging challenges like new standards for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) “forever chemicals.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan Legislature, and federal agencies have ramped up funding for aging water infrastructure – a critical move to help ensure those water systems continue to protect public health and the environment, including Michigan’s unmatched freshwater resources.

More than half of EGLE’s budget has traditionally passed through to Michigan cities, towns, villages, and other local government agencies to finance critical improvements that help them better protect residents and our natural resources.

“Surrounded by 20 percent of the planet’s fresh surface water, Michigan is blessed to have quality streams, lakes, and groundwater providing drinking water for 10 million residents,” said Phil Roos, EGLE director. “Maintaining modern, efficient treatment systems is vital to ensuring that Michiganders’ health is protected. These grants help communities meet that challenge.”

 

Grant roundup

Recent grants through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF): 

  • Negaunee/Ishpeming Water Authority for $930,000. This involves constructing a new drinking water production well. The project also includes constructing a new wellhouse with supervisory control and data acquisition and an associated control system, installing a potassium permanganate treatment system, and installing approximately 5,400 feet of transmission piping to connect the new well to the existing system. The water authority will abandon the existing well once the new well is operational.

 

Affordability and Planning Grants:

 These grants provide funding to assist communities in planning and affording water infrastructure needs statewide.

  • City of Saline: $81,000
  • City of Muskegon: $122,500
  • City of Detroit: $500,000
  • Village of Hillman: $ 90,000
  • City of Ecorse: $500,000

 

Technical, Managerial, and Financial grants:

Twenty-three water systems received grants for work in identifying or verifying lead service lines in preparation for replacement. The process to accomplish this effort includes hydrovacing on either side of each curb stop and performing in-building investigation to document service line materials. This project includes applicable restoration to original condition of hydrovaced locations. Hydrovacing involves a piece of equipment using high-pressure water to cut and liquefy the soil, while simultaneously using a high-volume vacuum to remove the soil from the excavation.

The recipients and their respective amounts:

  • City of Munising: $319,830
  • City of Eaton Rapids: $564,000
  • Village of Romeo: $334,100
  • Village of Grosse Pointe Shores: $342,700
  • City of Galesburg: $600,000
  • Village of Beverly Hills: $350,900
  • City of East Jordan: $537,189
  • City of Marysville: $589,900
  • City of Gaylord: $252,163
  • Village of Kalkaska: $372,049
  • City of North Muskegon: $599,680
  • City of Southfield: $555,700
  • Clair Township: $366,764
  • City of South Lyon: $384,530
  • City of Northville: $600,000
  • City of Ludington: $600,000
  • Village of Augusta: $404,600
  • Village of Blissfield: $483,000
  • City of Clawson: $600,000
  • City of Sylvan Lake: $264,900
  • City of Manistique: $423,617
  • Village of Waldron: $292,550
  • City of Berkley: $570,900

 

Descriptions of funding sources

 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: Low-interest loan program to help public water systems finance the costs of replacement and repair of drinking water infrastructure to protect public health and achieve or maintain compliance with federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. The DWSRF provides loans to water systems for eligible infrastructure projects. As water systems repay their loans, the repayments and interest flow back into the DWSRF to support new loans. ARPA funding operates as a grant and may be used in combination with loan dollars to reduce the financial burden on communities to pay for capital improvement debt. ARPA funded grants awarded this fiscal year: $218,398,719.

 Clean Water State Revolving Fund: Used by local municipalities to finance construction of water pollution control projects. These projects include wastewater treatment plant upgrades and expansions, combined or sanitary sewer overflow abatement, new sewers designed to reduce existing sources of pollution, and other publicly owned wastewater treatment efforts that improve water quality. The CWSRF can also finance storm water infrastructure projects to reduce nonpoint sources of water pollution caused by things like agricultural runoff to lakes, streams, and wetlands. As with the DWSRF, ARPA funds can be used in conjunction with CWSRF loan dollars, thereby reducing the debt communities pay for infrastructure improvements. ARPA-funded grants awarded this fiscal year: $137,982,009.

 Drinking Water Asset Management Program: Provides grant funding to assist drinking water suppliers with asset management plan development and updates, and/or distribution system materials inventories as defined in Michigan’s revised Lead and Copper Rule. Awarded this fiscal year: $19,695,817.

 Consolidation and Contamination Risk Reduction Program: Established to aid drinking water systems to help remove or reduce PFAS or other contaminants. Awarded this fiscal year: $20,336,215.

 Substantial Public Health Risk Project Program: Protects public and environmental health by removing direct and continuous discharges of wastewater from surface water or groundwater. Awarded this fiscal year: $8,000,000.

 Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program: Provides states and territories with grants to public water systems in small or disadvantaged communities to address emerging contaminants, including PFAS.

 Technical, Managerial, and Financial Grants: Funds for work related to the physical verification of service lines at properties where lead is suspected but not confirmed or where service line material is unknown but likely contains lead.

 Affordability and Planning Grants: These grants are designed to assist communities in planning and affording water infrastructure improvements including lead service line replacements.

Additional Background

 Since January 2019 the State of Michigan has invested over $4 billion to upgrade drinking water, storm water, and wastewater facilities across the state, supporting over 57,000 jobs.

  • In 2022, Governor Whitmer signed a package of bills to help communities access funding for water infrastructure.
Protect yourself during wildfire season

Protect yourself during wildfire season

by | Jul 1, 2024 | Environmental

Image
Dear constituent,

With wildfire season underway, here is some important information about reducing your exposure and protecting your health. Summer wildfires are becoming increasingly more common in the U.S. and Canada. Even though large wildfires may occur hundreds or thousands of miles away, last summer showed us that we need to be prepared for severe smoke here in Michigan.

As of June 24, 2024, Canada reported 179 active wildfires, and the smoke from these fires has already prompted health warnings in multiple states. Similar to last year, we expect smoke from Canada to affect Michigan, leading to poor air quality.

While most symptoms of wildfire exposure are mild, exposure can weaken the immune system and may also exacerbate or increase the risk of asthma, lung cancer, and other chronic lung diseases.

Here are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from wildfire smoke and air pollution:

  • Stay informed: Monitor local air quality and follow air quality forecasts. You can use free resources like the AirNow Fire and Smoke map or the AirNow website, and receive real -time alerts through EnviroFlash.
  • Seek shelter: When air quality in your area is low, stay inside as much as possible. If you do not have air conditioning and it’s too warm to stay indoors with the windows closed, seek shelter with family or friends, or in a public building with air conditioning such as a library or designated clean air shelter.
  • Use respirators: Keep N95 or P100 respirators on hand to wear if you must go outside when air quality is unhealthy.
  • Consider air cleaners: Use a portable air cleaner or make a DIY air cleaner.
  • Adjust HVAC systems: Learn how to adjust your HVAC system or air conditioner to keep smoke out. Use high-efficiency filters (for example, those with a MERV-13 rating) and replace them regularly.
  • Prepare supplies and medical action plans: Some individuals are at a higher risk, including those with asthma or other lung/heart conditions, children, older adults, and pregnant women. Ensure you have at least 5 days’ worth of medication and food on hand. Consider developing a medical action plan with your healthcare provider.

Lastly, you can visit the EPA and CDC websites for more detailed information and tips on how to stay safe if wildfire smoke ends up affecting us here in Michigan this summer.

– Office of Rep. Elissa Slotkin
America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge  

America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge  

by | Jun 27, 2024 | Environmental

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 27, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Accepts Invitation to Join White House Initiative to Conserve and Restore Freshwater Resources: America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge 

The challenge establishes a national partnership to conserve and restore America’s rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands.

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Whitmer announced that Michigan is joining the inaugural list of over 160 partners participating in the White House’s America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge. The initiative sets new national goals for wetland, river, and stream reconnection, restoration, and conservation, and calls on states, territories, Tribes, local governments, businesses, and non-governmental organizations to advance their own actions in support of these shared goals.

 

The Freshwater Challenge complements Governor Whitmer’s ongoing initiatives to protect our Lakes—both Great and small—rebuild Michigan’s water infrastructure, protect access to clean drinking water, and respond to climate change, as outlined in the MI Healthy Climate Plan. The challenge also aligns with many of the initiatives of the Great Lakes St Lawrence Governors and Premieres, a group that the governor chairs.

 

“We are thrilled to join the Biden-Harris administration’s ‘America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge,’” said Governor Whitmer. “As home to the Great Lakes, which contain 21% of the world’s fresh surface water, we are committed to protecting our precious natural resources. Water is integral to our economy and our way of life, and we all have a responsibility to protect it for future generations. Since I took office, my administration has worked across the aisle to make record investments in land and water conservation and water infrastructure. The Freshwater Challenge offers us new opportunities to build on our work of protecting our natural resources while expanding economic opportunity. I will work with anyone to protect our water resources. Let’s get it done.”

 

“Whether it’s reducing pollution, restoring wetlands, or enhancing shorelines, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is up to the challenge of protecting Michigan’s freshwater resources,” said EGLE Director, Phil Roos. “Michigan’s unmatched water resources literally define our state, giving all Michiganders a unique responsibility to steward them. Under Governor Whitmer’s leadership, Michigan has seen unprecedented investments in water infrastructure, protection, and revitalization projects but there is so much more to do. Michigan’s waters will always face challenges, but the constant among the challenges is Michiganders’ resolve to make a difference through collaboration and innovation.”

 

Michigan’s unmatched access to freshwater has enabled our state to become a leader in advancing equity, creating good-paying jobs, increasing economic opportunities, and improving quality of life. The challenge reaffirms Michigan’s commitment to protecting freshwater resources at home, across the Great Lakes region, and throughout the country.

 

Water Investments

Since 2019, the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration has invested more than $4 billion to rebuild and modernize Michigan’s water infrastructure, including removing lead service lines, reducing toxic contaminants like PFAS, and mitigating sewer overflows. The governor has also signed bills that make it easier for communities to access funding for infrastructure projects, ensuring resources go to the communities who need them most.

 

Recently, the administration made record investments to protect the Great Lakes from pollution and invasive species, revitalize wetlands, protect ground water resources, restore rivers, and more.

 

The administration has also aggressively leveraged resources for water infrastructure and protection projects thanks to Michigan’s hardworking congressional delegation’s work to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and other federal opportunities like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

 

MI Healthy Climate Plan

The MI Healthy Climate Plan (MHCP) is the state’s climate action roadmap that charts a path to a more prosperous, healthy, equitable, carbon-neutral future by 2050 with interim emissions reductions in 2025 and 2030. The MHCP outlines steps to meet the state’s 2030 climate goals. It includes key recommendations around protecting Michigan’s land and water resources, including a promise to protect 30% of Michigan’s land and water by 2030, protect and restore existing wetlands and waterways, create new wetlands—where appropriate—and more.

 

In recent years, the state has made incredible progress toward the goals of the MHCP. While the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is responsible for the overall implementation of the plan, work extends across multiple departments. This includes the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) work on the Michigan the Beautiful initiative where DNR is working with diverse partners to conserve, connect, and restore 30 percent of Michigan’s land and water by 2030.

 
Air-quality resources and pollution hazard guidance

Air-quality resources and pollution hazard guidance

by | Jun 17, 2024 | Environmental

 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2024
EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278
Jill Josef Greenberg, EGLE spokesperson, [email protected], 517-897-4965

Air-quality resources and pollution hazard guidance available to the public during high-heat event 

With high temperatures forecast to sweep over Michigan this week, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) offers Michigan residents resources to take to protect themselves from risks related to poor air quality due to excessive heat and ozone creation.

EGLE urges Michiganders to stay informed when air quality advisories or alerts are issued. Resources include the Air Quality Index (AQI), which can be found on the AirNow website, and alerts issued through the EnviroFlash system. EnviroFlash system is a subscriber system that provides advisories and alerts for the area chosen directly through email or text message.

“With high temperatures across Michigan this week, Michiganders must stay vigilant about air quality concerns,” said Phil Roos, EGLE director. “High temperatures are often linked to elevated levels of pollutants, like Ozone. People can protect themselves and reduce pollutants by saying informed of changing air quality conditions. We urge the public to take advantage of notification systems and review alerts to protect themselves and their communities.”

The Air Quality Index is a color-coded way for residents to see what the levels of some types of air pollution are in their area. Higher AQI values indicate there is a higher concentration of pollutants in the air and a need for Michiganders to take steps to protect their health.

Ozone, one of the most widespread pollutants in America, is a dangerous smog caused by emissions from mobile and stationary sources. It’s also most common during warmer temperatures.

This year, EGLE has made changes to its air quality alert system. The new system now includes air quality advisories and alerts. Advisories will be issued when levels of ozone, PM2.5 (or both) of these pollutions falls into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range. Alerts will be issued when one or both of these pollutants get into the unhealthy, very unhealthy or hazardous range.

With high ozone days, there are things people can do to help, like not filling their gas tank, not mowing their lawns, driving less or commuting, and not idling their cars.

During a poor air quality day, take action to protect your health based on the AQI Index. Some recommendations may include:

  • Reduce the time you are active outdoors.
  • Consider less intense activities that require less physical exertion.
  • If ozone levels are unhealthy, schedule outdoor activities for the morning or evening when ozone levels are usually lower.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Public Service Commission, and Michigan State Police also have resources available to help residents to keep themselves safe during forecasted high heat and humidity this week. A joint press release with resources can be found here.
Michigan Energy Efficient Upgrade Savings Calculator

Michigan Energy Efficient Upgrade Savings Calculator

by | Jun 10, 2024 | Environmental

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2024
Jeff Johnston, EGLE Public Information Officer, [email protected], 517-231-9304
Alana Murphy, Rewiring America Senior Communications Associate, [email protected]

New online resource will help homeowners and renters calculate energy upgrade savings from the Inflation Reduction Act, state and local programs

Rewiring America launches Michigan Energy Efficient Upgrade Savings Calculator

In Detroit today, Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit Rewiring America launched a Michigan-specific calculator to help homeowners and renters estimate how much they can save with clean energy incentives and tax credits created by the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other state, local, and utility programs. The programs cover heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, induction stoves, electric vehicles (EV), EV chargers, and other zero-emissions technologies.

The Michigan Energy Efficient Upgrade Savings Calculator is hosted on the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s website.

Rewiring America, whose focus is upgrading homes, businesses, and communities from inefficient fossil fuel-powered appliances to high-efficiency/high-performance electric alternatives, estimates that American households can receive $10,600 on average in federal incentives to help convert from fossil fuel-powered appliances and technology to electric-powered replacements that in turn can save households an average of $2,000 a year on energy bills.

By inputting a few details about their households, Michigan residents will get personalized estimates of how much they can save on efficient electric appliances and energy-saving technologies.

“Right now, there are game-changing dollars available for families to make clean energy improvements because of the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, our hardworking congressional delegation, Governor Whitmer, and our partners in the Legislature,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “Our steps toward a prosperous clean energy future for all Michiganders include both collective and individual actions. This new calculator equips homeowners and renters to make informed decisions about important household upgrades that will save them money on their energy bills, make their homes more comfortable, and engage them in our efforts to address climate change together.”

Michigan is part of the first cohort of states to have its own version of the Rewiring America calculator, with state and local incentives integrated.

“Michigan is ahead of the game in bringing the benefits of the energy transition to families across the state,” said Rewiring America CEO Ari Matusiak. “We look forward to continuing to work in partnership to make these important home upgrades more affordable and accessible to all. With this calculator, households in Michigan are only a few clicks away from the next steps on their electrification journey.”

In other states, the tool already has helped nearly 800,000 Americans understand their eligibility for federal electrification tax credits.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer demonstrated the tool at its official launch today during the Clean Economy and Community Impact Summit, where the Governor; State Chief Climate and Energy Strategist Kara Cook; and other state, federal, business, and community leaders discussed the clean energy economic transformation taking place in the state.

“If we face climate change with climate action, we can lower costs, create jobs, and make more American energy using American workers,” said Governor Whitmer. “The new Rewiring America calculator will show Michigan families how much they can save using incentives from the Biden-Harris administration’s clean energy programs. You can save money on your next home upgrade, whether it’s a furnace, water heater, stove, rooftop solar, or so much more. You can drive down your monthly bill by up to 20%, better protect the air your kids breathe, and support jobs and investment in your local community. I urge every Michigander to take advantage of these cost-saving programs and improve your quality of life.”

The summit focused on the economic transformation underway nationally, in Michigan, and in communities such as Detroit due to the unprecedented public investments from the federal Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and CHIPS and Science Act. These investments, together with Michigan’s historic Clean Energy and Jobs Act, put Michiganders in the driver’s seat to build a clean energy economy that delivers for communities, workers, and businesses.

To build the calculator, Rewiring America received $5 million in funding and a team of 12 Google.org fellows via the philanthropy’s Impact Challenge on Climate Innovation. As part of the pro bono initiative, Google engineers, program managers, user experience designers, and other professionals dedicated six months to assist the nonprofit. The fellows collaborated on technical challenges such as using generative artificial intelligence to speed up public data collection and language translation for RWA’s incentive interface.

The Inflation Reduction Act is the largest investment in climate action in U.S. history. The law is helping American consumers save money while boosting domestic manufacturing and energy independence. In the U.S., 42% of energy-related emissions come from the cars we drive, how we heat and cool our homes, how we heat our water, cook our food, dry our clothes, and how we power it all. Achieving a carbon-neutral economy requires replacing these machines with alternatives powered by clean energy.

Michigan is a national leader in attracting climate- and clean energy-related federal funding. According to Climate Power, Michigan is the No. 1 state in landing clean energy projects from the IRA and in the top five for job creation and overall investment. Tools like the Michigan Energy Efficient Upgrade Savings Calculator will help Michigan families make the most of these federal dollars.

Recently, EGLE received $210.8 million for the state’s Home Energy Rebate Programs, which will be available to families this fall. The Home Energy Rebate Programs will provide funding to lower the up-front cost of whole-home energy efficiency upgrades in single-family and multifamily homes, aiding retrofitting and electrification efforts. The Home and Appliance Electrification Rebates will help finance the up-front cost of efficient electric technologies and appliances in single-family and multifamily homes. People can sign up for program notifications.

For more information on clean energy and climate-related federal funding opportunities, visit EGLE’s climate and energy funding opportunities webpage.