DERRELL SLAUGHTER
Derrell Slaughter is a Michigan resident with a long history engaging in energy policy and community organizing. He also has experience in political campaigns. Slaughter was previously a policy advisor to the commissioners of the Michigan Public Service Commission. He advised them on a variety of regulatory matters, including the implementation and enforcement of the 2016 energy law (Public Acts 341 and 342). He is also a member of the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, as the commissioner for South Lansing’s 3rd District. He was elected to the Ingham County Board of Commissioners in 2018. He is currently vice-chair. He is also proud to be a member of the ACLU of Michigan’s Board of Director, where he serves the organization’s vice president.
ABOUT LISA WOZNIAK
Michigan League of Conservation Voters
/
michiganlcv.org
Lisa’s career spans more than two decades of environmental advocacy in the political arena. She is a national expert in nonprofit growth and management, and a leader for Great Lakes protections. Lisa graduated three times from the University of Michigan with a Bachelors degree and two subsequent Masters degrees in Social Work and Education.
Lisa is a cohost and content partner on 89.1 WEMU’s “1st Friday Focus on Environment”.
RESOURCES:
Michigan League of Conservation Voters
Natural Resources Defense Council
TRANSCRIPTION:
David Fair: This is the 89th WEMU. Welcoming to the May edition First Friday Focus on the Environment. David Fair is my name and today we will discuss the MI Healthy Climate Plan that Governor Whitmer introduced back in April. Many believe it will make Michigan a leader in climate change mitigation. Lisa Wozniak, who is the executive director of Michigan League of Conservation Voters, is my partner in this First Friday conversation. Lisa, we are glad to see you again.
Lisa Wozniak: It’s good to be here Dave. You are correct. Many people have been eagerly awaiting the unveiling of Governor Whitmer’s new MI Healthy Climate Plan or MI Healthy Climate Plan. Our guest today is one of them. Derrell Slaughter, the Michigan Clean Energy Advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council, is our guest today. He is also an appointee of the Michigan Council on Climate Solutions. This body helped to guide the entire plan. He is an elected member of Ingham County Board of Commissioners and he is currently vice president of ACLU of Michigan’s Board of Directors. Derrell has described climate justice as one of the most important civil rights issues of our times. Derrell, thank-you so much for being with us today.
Derrell Slaughter Thank you for having me.
David Fair: Derrell, what inequalities and how did you come to the conclusion that climate justice is at forefront of modern-day civil rights movements?
Derrell Slaughter As we are seeing, people feel the daily effects of climate change through large-scale floods. It is affecting our crops. It’s everywhere. This is a crisis we will all experience together. This crisis doesn’t care about who you are. This is why we must all come together to fight climate injustice and help those who are least able adapt to the changes caused by climate change. It is the most important issue in my life and it drives me every day.
Lisa Wozniak: Derrell, the governor of Michigan, has made it clear that he supports the Justice40 principles. What does that mean, and why is this important to you?
Derrell Slaughter It would be a commitment that 40% of all climate related dollars would go to those who are underserved or living in the environmental justice community. But it won’t cover all the work that is needed. It helps people adapt to change and move forward. But it’s an excellent start. It’s a good start. I am looking forward to seeing how that will be implemented.
David Fair: WeMU’s First Friday Focus on the Environment continues with Lisa Wozniak of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, and Derrell Slaughter of the Natural Resources Defense Council. This plan calls for the closure of all coal plants by 2030, and for an economy-wide carbon neutrality goal by 2050. How far do you think this plan will go to improve air quality in the most affected communities in Michigan and to address some of the environmental public health outcomes that are more harmful to those who live in those communities?
Derrell Slaughter It’s crucial in our efforts both to combat climate change and to combat air pollution. This is really important. This alone will not get us where we need to be. There are some other recommendations that will increase the amount renewable energy used to power homes. There are incentives to encourage people to switch to electric vehicles. We also have the opportunity to expand public transit options. You know that despite all the great things about this plan and all the details, implementation is key.
Lisa Wozniak: Let’s go on because that’s what my mind was thinking about. It will take more than just closing down the coal-fired power stations in Michigan. It will also require, as you mentioned, increased investment in renewable energy, strengthening the grid security, and further investments in energy storage and distribution systems. All of these things are necessary. Your career is well-rounded. You worked previously with members of Michigan’s Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities within the state. So, I’m wondering. Is there the political and strategic will to put all this in place by 2050
Derrell Slaughter We are currently testing it. There is momentum right now. We just need to talk more openly about the plan’s components and the challenges. You know what? I’ve found that more people understand and are willing to make the necessary changes to achieve these other reduction goals. If you ask your friends, it’s just part of their nature. I am optimistic and feel that we are in a good spot. We’ll continue to move forward in the state and get good work done. We all have a lot to be proud of.
David Fair: Let me appeal to your optimism once more. This plan has been called Michigan’s most bold climate plan in state history. It seems like that is your conclusion, too. What other things, besides what we’ve already talked, makes this plan stand out in your mind?
Derrell Slaughter This plan is ambitious and broad, and it’s especially important for our state. Many people played a part in the development of this plan. We’ll need more for the implementation plan, I believe. It’s a good start. It’s a blueprint. However, the real magic happens when we go through the implementation process. This will be done through workgroups that I have formed with agencies who are involved in different aspects of the plan. This was definitely a shared development.
Lisa Wozniak: Derrell asked Derrell about the role of the Michigan Advisory Council on Environmental Justice as we discussed the potential found in this bold plan. What is their role in the implementation of and follow-through of things like the Justice40 Initiative, Derrell?
Derrell Slaughter I am a member of the Council on Climate Solutions. It has the responsibility of looking at the plan from an equity perspective and how to improve it. These include recommendations, such as in the energy industry, to ensure that the plan takes into account people who would not normally be able buy for them. What are the best things we can do? Are there any other financial incentives that could allow more people to have access?
David Fair: A lot of the plan will require legislative action. I don’t think much will be accomplished in this midterm year. However, there may be some components that can reach bipartisan agreement faster than others. Have you taken the time to look at these areas and identify their strengths so that you can get started on them as soon as possible.
Derrell Slaughter Yeah. That’s what I was doing before, uh? talking to you all. This is a long-term plan that will take a while to complete. This plan will take many years. This plan will also need to be updated over time, as it has been mentioned. There will be opportunities for more Michiganders. It is not unusual for there to be a lot of work involved in the implementation process or policy recommendations. However, I am looking forward to it.
Lisa Wozniak: Derrell, in the broadest meaning, you’ve stated that you’re optimistic and have high hopes for the plan’s success and its implementation. David said that we still have a Legislature to deal. I would love to hear from you about your optimism that this will not end up looking like Washington, D.C.’s climate collapse.
Derrell Slaughter Sure. Yes. It is so frustrating to see these issues become so divisive. I think there should be some kind of universal recognition that we all have to do something. I would be more optimistic if I could. The problem is that we don’t have enough time to meet our greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. We need to meet them by 2030 and then make our country carbon neutral by 2050. It’s unfortunate that we don’t have much time. However, I believe we should not let that stop us from educating people and appealing to their self-interest. This is the best way to make progress in the implementation plan. But again, that’s me being optimistic. I haven’t yet fully formulated what that looks like, but I’m definitely starting to brainstorm about what this year will look like. Are you looking ahead to next year? Next year will likely have a new Legislature and, you know what, a different set to people to work with. However, there is still hope that we can work together.
David Fair: And that’s a nice way to end. Derrell, thank you so much.
Derrell Slaughter Absolutely.
David Fair: Derrell Slaughter is a Michigan clean energy advocate on Natural Resources Defense Council. He is also the third district representative on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners and has been our guest on First Friday Focus on the Environment. Lisa Wozniak (executive director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters) is my content partner and cohost. Lisa, thank you so very much for your time today. We’ll be back in June.
Lisa Wozniak: David, I look forward to it.
David Fair: Visit our website WEMU dot.org to find out more about today’s topic. David Fair is my name and this is your community NPR station, 89 one WEMU FM, HD one Ypsilanti.
Your financial support makes it possible to produce non-commercial, fact-based reporting. Make a donation today to WEMUKeep your community’s NPR station thriving.
Like 89.1 WEMU on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
Contact WEMU News734.487.3363 or email us at [email protected]
