Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer will address a crowd of more than 1,000 today at the third annual MI Healthy Climate Conference, hosted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) at Huntington Place in Detroit.  

The Governor will introduce a new program to help qualifying Michigan families save thousands of dollars on energy expenses through home energy improvements and new, efficient home appliances. 

The day-and-a-half conference, which kicked off Tuesday, is expected to draw more than 1,000 attendees from local, state, federal and tribal governments; schools and universities; nonprofits; community groups; and businesses. More than 60 speakers are sharing success stories, challenges, funding opportunities, technical assistance, and more. 

• When: The conference takes place from 8:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m. today. Governor Whitmer is expected to speak at around 12:45 p.m. 

• Where: Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit, Mich. 48226. 

• How: Credentialed media may check in at the conference media table. 

• Conference details: Review EGLE’s press release. 

Conference highlights today include a “Let’s Grow Michigan” keynote address at 9:15 a.m. featuring Hilary Doe, chief growth and marketing officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and a “Community Centered Solutions” closing panel with Eco Works Executive Director Briana DuBose, Washington Heights United Methodist Church Pastor Monique French, and Avalon Village founder and CEO Shamayim “Mama Shu” Harris, moderated by EGLE Environmental Justice Public Advocate Regina Strong. 

Additional talks will cover reducing food waste, regenerative agriculture, renewable energy goals, the clean energy workforce, the Michigan the Beautiful initiative, and more. A MI Solar for All workshop will bring together people and organizations interested in solar projects.