Lansing Sun

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) recently celebrated the first of what will be 15 electric vehicle charging sites at state parks across Michigan.

According to Michigan.gov, officials from Adopt a Charger, along with electric car manufacturer Rivian joined Whitmer in the celebration, which will also include a state fish hatchery to be developed in the near future.

“This partnership to install charging stations in our state parks speaks to the collaborative approach we are taking to grow our economy and address climate change head-on through clean, reliable energy,” Whitmer told Michigan.gov. “These charging stations along the Lake Michigan EV (electric vehicle) Circuit build on our rich Pure Michigan tradition of exploration and bringing together communities and businesses to ensure that we honor our past as the place that put the world on wheels and continue to invest in our workforce as we lead the transition to electric vehicles.”

Whitmer added that the projects will help boost the economy and lower costs for motorists in the long run.

“This project will not only benefit Michigan in the near term but will also pay dividends far into the future as we move toward a sustainable energy future,” Department of Natural Resources Director Dan Eichinger told Michigan.gov. “From these EV charging stations, to installations of solar arrays that power fish hatcheries and other facilities, to building with mass timber and our innovative carbon sequestration development, we are working to improve the environment as we update our own portfolio.”          

The governor’s office reported that recently installed solar panels at Holland State Park by Utopian Power are a great example of how they can power park infrastructure and electric vehicles.

“These EV chargers are an important way to encourage sustainable travel across our state, while sharing the tremendous beauty and recreation offered by our world-class state parks here in Michigan,” Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan (part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation) told Michigan.gov.