Michigan climate action plans don't leave low-income households behind

Some cities in Michigan are putting together climate change action plans. Part of that is making everything more energy efficient in order to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. One of the big concerns is making sure low-income households are not left behind.The state requires Michigan’s big utility companies to offer rebates for energy efficiency upgrades in homes. There are also state and federal programs aimed at encouraging energy efficiency.“The best application of those funds is to direct them to the people who need them most,” said Mike Garfield, director of the non-profit Ecology Center, adding, “There are plenty of folks in this country, plenty of folks in Michigan, in all of our communities who suffer from energy vulnerability. Their heating bills or electric bills might be so high that they're faced with decisions about whether or not to buy food or medicine or pay their gas bill.”