Michigan Clean Energy Support Remains Strong Across Party Lines

A recent poll indicates strong bipartisan support among Michigan voters for clean energy initiatives and accountability measures for utility companies. Many residents favor an expedited timeline for clean energy goals and express concern over affordability and reliability in energy services.

Michigan voters overwhelmingly back clean energy, demanding stronger laws and accountability from utility companies, new poll finds.

A new poll released by Data for Progress in partnership with Evergreen Action reveals a striking trend: Michiganders overwhelmingly support the state’s transition toward clean energy, with bipartisan agreement on clean energy investments, electric transit, and stricter oversight of utility companies.

The survey, conducted in late January among 566 likely voters in Michigan, shows that residents are not just supportive of the state’s 100% clean energy by 2040 mandate—they want to speed things up. A majority supports a more aggressive 2035 timeline, including 85% of Democrats, 61% of Independents, and even a sizable number of Republicans.

This growing enthusiasm comes on the heels of 2023 legislation positioning Michigan as a national leader in climate action. As extreme weather events and power grid failures become more common, Michigan voters are pushing for cleaner, more resilient, and affordable energy solutions.

Clean Energy Support Paired With Demand for Accountability

While clean energy policies enjoy widespread approval, voters are equally vocal about the need to rein in utility companies. Frustration over power outages and high utility bills has led to strong bipartisan demand for transparency.

According to the survey, 64% of Michigan voters want the state legislature to take stronger action to keep energy prices affordable. 51% say lawmakers should hold utilities accountable when they fail to prepare the power grid for severe weather. Nearly half of voters (48%) suspect utilities are actively delaying clean energy adoption—and they want it stopped.

“This isn’t just about climate anymore,” said Dr. Jennifer Haverkamp, Director of the Graham Sustainability Institute at the University of Michigan. “It’s about reliability, affordability, and trust in the institutions that deliver critical services.”

Michigan Clean Energy Support By Investments Resonate Across Ideologies

When it comes to job creation and manufacturing, the numbers are just as clear. A sweeping 79% of voters support policies that would grow clean energy jobs and support local manufacturing. Only 18% are opposed.

In addition, popular proposals such as expanding home repair programs—which could save families an estimated $145 per year—and giving rebates for energy-saving home upgrades are met with broad support. These solutions aren’t just environmentally friendly; they’re economically appealing in a state where energy affordability remains a top concern.

Electric Transit and Public Transportation Get a Boost

Investments in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and clean transportation are resonating with voters. The poll shows a +22-point margin of support for building more EV chargers and a +35 margin for helping schools transition to electric buses.

Even broader transit measures—such as expanding public transportation access and improving quality—have support margins of +58 and +57, respectively.

This surge in support comes as Michigan continues to position itself as a hub for electric vehicle manufacturing. In recent years, major auto manufacturers like Ford and GM have expanded EV operations across the state, including new battery facilities.

Environmental Justice Gains Rare Bipartisan Consensus

One of the most striking findings of the poll is the widespread support for environmental justice. A commanding 79% of voters want the state to prioritize pollution reduction in communities that have been historically overburdened by industrial pollution—often low-income or minority neighborhoods.

This support crosses party lines: 92% of Democrats, 77% of Independents, and 70% of Republicans agree with centering environmental justice in Michigan’s pollution policy.

Michigan’s Next Challenge: Legislating Accountability

As support for clean energy grows, the next challenge lies in turning public sentiment into policy. While Michigan lawmakers have taken significant steps—such as speeding up clean energy project approvals in 2023—voters are clear: It’s not enough.

Strong majorities believe that utilities must be held responsible not only for service failures but for any attempts to delay the clean energy transition. The political appetite exists. Whether Michigan’s legislature will act on this mandate remains to be seen.

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