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Our advocacy in the Midwest

Despite the region’s long reliance on fossil fuels, states in the Midwest increasingly recognize the economic and public health benefits of a zero-emissions future. Ceres works with leading companies to advance and implement clean energy and clean transportation policies that will create jobs, address environmental injustices, and build a more just, inclusive, and resilient economy. 

Illinois

The Illinois business community supported sweeping 2021 energy and climate legislation that lays the groundwork for a net zero future. Leading companies and investors championed the law’s new investments in clean energy and clean transportation, as well as policies to protect environmental justice communities and energy workers, cementing the state’s role as a regional climate leader.

Michigan

The MI Healthy Climate Plan earned the support of some of the state’s top employers upon its 2022 release, providing a guideway for Michigan to achieve the economic and public health benefits of climate action. Lawkmakers followed up in 2023 with legislation committing to 100% clean electricity by 2040 — a key step to ensure that the Healthy Climate Plan is implemented, that the state fully capitalizes on federal climate investments, and that one of the nation’s most iconic industrial bases is primed to compete in the clean energy economy.

Minnesota

Minnesota moved decisively in 2023 to pass one of the nation’s most ambitious clean energy requirements, pledging to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. That law, as well as bipartisan energy efficiency legislation from earlier in the decade, give Minnesota a strong foundation for climate action, but companies and investors continue to call for additional policies — especially to clean the state’s transportation system.

Ohio

Companies and investors have been among the strongest advocates for Ohio’s renewable energy and energy efficiency programs, and have been equally strong critics of lawmakers’ move in 2019 to weaken them. Recognizing clean energy’s potential to grow the economy and create local jobs potential, the Ohio business community continues to call for the reinstatement of energy efficiency programs and additional policies that will help Ohio build a clean and prosperous future.

Corporate advocacy in action

100% Clean Electricity

Acting quickly at the start of the legislative session in 2023, Minnesota lawmakers approved an ambitious commitment to 100% clean electricity by 2040. Not to be outdone, Michigan passed a similar standard later in the year with strong support from major employers, along with other important climate and energy policies.

Healthy Climate Plan

Major Michigan employers, including Ford and General Motors, wrote to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in support of strong climate policy as the governor prepared to release the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which has since guided the state’s climate, clean energy, and environmental justice action.

Climate and Equitable Jobs Act

Major companies pushed Illinois to finalize legislation establishing key climate policies in the state, including: the phase-out of coal plants by 2045; a commitment for 100% of electricity to come from clean sources by 2050; prevailing wage rules for workers; and new electric vehicle and energy efficiency incentives.

Clean Car Standards

Minnesota joined more than a dozen other states in adopting strict fuel efficiency standards for passenger vehicles that will speed up the deployment of electric vehicles, thanks to support of major businesses in the Commonwealth.

Businesses with employees and operations across Minnesota helped to pass bipartisan legislation to reduce energy waste and help Minnesotans save money on their utility bills.

Renewable Energy Standard

As a result of immense corporate pressure, Michigan lawmakers increased the state’s renewable energy standard to 15% by 2021 and expanded investments in energy efficiency.

Latest updates on our work in the Midwest


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Advocate Health logo AO Smith logo B Lab logo Bonterra Organic Estates logo common spirit logo Danone North America logo eastern bank logo eileen fisher logo Gap HP logo Holcim logo Indigo Ag logo kb home logo linkedin logo lucid logo mass general brigham logo Microsoft logo Netflix logo The North Face logo Palo Alto logo Salesforce logo Seventh Generation logo SIA logo Timberland logo Unilever logo workday logo
Akamai logo Autodesk logo Bath & Body Works logo Burton logo DSM logo DHL Group Eaton logo Etsy logo Grove Collaborative logo hackensack meridian logo Honeywell logo JLL logo keurig dr. pepper logo logitech logo Lutron McDonald's logo NSAA logo New Belgium Brewing logo Nucor Patagonia logo San Francisco Internal Airport logo Siemens logo Starbucks logo trane logo Vail Resorts logo Worthen Industries logo
Adobe logo Alterra Mountain Company avocado green brands logo Ben and Jerry's logo clif bar logo Daikin logo Company Logo ebay logo Franklin Energy logo HASI logo happy family organics logo IKEA logo kaiser permanente logo Levi Strauss & Co logo L'oreal USA logo mars logo Michelin Nestle logo Nike logo Company Logo REI logo Sealed logo Sierra Nevada logo Stonyfield logo TRC logo VF corporation logo

Become a leading advocate with the Ceres Policy Network

The Ceres Policy Network represents some of the most recognizable brands in the U.S., who have become leading advocates in the fight against the climate crisis in the Midwest and beyond.

Learn more

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