diff --git a/policies/michigan-mi-healthy-climate-challenge-4-grants-2026.md b/policies/michigan-mi-healthy-climate-challenge-4-grants-2026.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..84280c8 --- /dev/null +++ b/policies/michigan-mi-healthy-climate-challenge-4-grants-2026.md @@ -0,0 +1,51 @@ +# Michigan MI Healthy Climate Challenge #4: Go Big, Go Clean Grants + +*Announced: April 21, 2026* + +The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) launched the fourth installment of the MI Healthy Climate Challenge, titled "Go Big, Go Clean," providing $1.8 million in grants to support industrial decarbonization efforts across Michigan facilities.[^1] This initiative funds feasibility studies, assessments, and planning to help industries evaluate and implement cost-effective strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing competitiveness in the global low-carbon market.[^2] + +## Program Overview + +The challenge targets practical near-term decarbonization interventions, including energy efficiency improvements, process optimizations, and adoption of low-carbon technologies. It aligns with Michigan's [MI Healthy Climate Plan](https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/climate-and-energy/mi-healthy-climate-plan), aiming for a 100% carbon-neutral economy by 2050. Eligible activities include: + +- Energy and process assessments +- Engineering and technical feasibility studies for decarbonization options +- Financial and operational analyses +- Scenario modeling for emissions reductions +- Evaluation of economic, environmental, and community impacts +- Identification of barriers (financial, technological, policy) and investment opportunities + +This builds on Michigan's recent [Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap](https://www.michigan.gov/egle/newsroom/press-releases/2026/03/12/michigan-moves-forward-on-industrial-decarbonization-with-new-roadmap), providing direct funding to accelerate implementation.[^3] + +## Eligibility + +- Michigan-based industrial companies +- Nonprofits, universities, research institutions +- Technical or consulting firms partnering with Michigan industrial facilities + +Applicants must demonstrate how projects will reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions and contribute to broader sustainability goals. + +## Funding Details + +- **Total Funding**: $1.8 million (one-time opportunity) +- **Grant Size**: Varies based on project scope; awards support facility-level studies +- **Matching Funds**: Not specified, but emphasis on leveraging additional investments + +## Application Timeline + +- **Letter of Intent Opens**: April 21, 2026 +- **Letter of Intent Due**: May 19, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EDT +- **Informational Webinar**: April 28, 2026, 1:30 p.m. EDT (register [here](https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8Ii8e6McSW2CxpeQWETICw)) +- **Full Application Opens**: June 2, 2026 +- **Full Applications Due**: July 7, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EDT + +For more details, visit the [official program page](https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/climate-and-energy/mi-healthy-climate-challenge/go-big-go-clean).[^4] + +## Strategic Importance + +This grant program addresses key barriers in industrial decarbonization, such as high upfront costs and technology risks, by funding planning stages. It supports Michigan's manufacturing sector—responsible for significant GHG emissions—in transitioning to low-carbon production, potentially unlocking billions in private investment and creating green jobs.[^1] As global demand for low-emission products grows, these grants position Michigan industries to meet standards like the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. + +[^1]: [Michigan.gov - Governor announces $1.8 million grant competition for industrial decarbonization](https://www.michigan.gov/egle/newsroom/press-releases/2026/04/21/industrial-decarbonization) +[^2]: [EGLE - Challenge #4: Go Big, Go Clean](https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/climate-and-energy/mi-healthy-climate-challenge/go-big-go-clean) +[^3]: [Michigan.gov - Michigan moves forward on industrial decarbonization with new roadmap](https://www.michigan.gov/egle/newsroom/press-releases/2026/03/12/michigan-moves-forward-on-industrial-decarbonization-with-new-roadmap) +[^4]: [EGLE MI Healthy Climate Challenge](https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/climate-and-energy/mi-healthy-climate-challenge) \ No newline at end of file