Contact: Elizabeth Hauptman, ehauptman@momscleanairforce.org, 586-489-7988
(Brighton, MI) Yesterday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an Executive Order to create the Michigan Healthy Climate Plan, to protect the health and future of Michigan’s children. The plan puts the state on a path to being carbon neutral by 2050. In response, Elizabeth Hauptman, Field Organizer for Moms Clean Air Force’s Michigan Chapter and a Brighton resident, issued this statement of support:
“Michiganders are excited by the release of the Michigan Healthy Climate Plan. The Governor’s move will protect our families and combat the climate crisis, a public health emergency that disproportionately impacts communities of color, low-income communities, and our children. Her plan has the power to protect public health, the environment, and all of Michigan’s children. This is a victory for our health and climate.
“Yesterday’s announcement shows the Governor is putting the health and safety of Michiganders first. There are 254,583 kids across the state who suffer from asthma, and my son is one of them. Their health has been compromised by the Trump Administration’s rollbacks of environmental protections, which have led to increased pollution and worsening air quality. The Governor’s plan will protect our children by making the air they breathe cleaner. This means my son will miss fewer school days, BBQs, outdoor games, and track meets. Parents across the state look forward to working with the Governor to implement protections for our children from particle pollution, smog, mercury, and other toxic air in our communities. All Michigan parents can breathe a little easier knowing that our Governor is stepping up as a leader and prioritizing the health, safety, and future of our kids.”