MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Earlier today, in celebration of Earth Day, Governor Whitmer announced the state-owned facilities of Michigan will utilize 100% renewable energy by 2025. This will involve contributions from local utilities including the Lansing Board of Water and Light, DTE, and Consumers Energy:

"Since my first day in office, we've continued to make real, lasting progress on environmental and climate issues across our state," explained Governor Whitmer.

Locally, the Meridian Township Environmental Commission has recommended the Township Board autherize a citizens climate initiative. The initiative would aim to encourage Township residents to use electric alternatives to natural gas:

"The idea behind the Citizens Climate Commitment is an educational effort to get people to...think about considering electrical alternatives [to gas equipment]...we have to start moving away from natural gas and gasoline," explained John Sarver, Environmental Commission Chair.

If authorized, the initiative would have a web page where residents can sign up to make their commitment to the cause. Residents will sign their name on a document that reads:

"Recognizing climate change is an emergency, I make a Climate Citizens Commitment that I will make energy efficiency a personal priority and when I replace my vehicle, furnace, hot water heater, stove, yard equipment, or clothes dryer, or if I build a new home, I will consider electric alternatives to help my community become carbon free by 2030."

Great ways to switch from gas to electric include options like electric ovens, heat pump water heaters, electric dryers, and others.

For more information on the Climate Citizens Commitment, visit the Township website at meridian.mi.us.