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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE* 

January 15, 2026  

Contact: [email protected]  

  

*Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Directive to Explore Clean Energy Resources * 

"Executive directive establishes Michigan as a leader in geologic hydrogen, a resource with the potential to create good-paying jobs, attract long-term investments, and lower energy costs for Michiganders" 

   

*LANSING, Mich.* – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive creating an initiative to explore geologic hydrogen as a usable, clean fuel alternative. Michigan’s unique geology makes it one of the most promising regions in the world for geologic hydrogen, a naturally occurring clean energy resource. This new initiative will determine the possibility of tapping into Michigan’s geologic hydrogen and using this natural fuel to build the future of clean energy. 

 

“Michigan is a leader in clean-energy solutions,” said *Governor Whitmer*. “This initiative will uncover more about Michigan’s geologic hydrogen stores, which have the potential to attract long-term investments in our state and create thousands of good paying jobs for Michiganders. Together, we’re building the future of clean energy in Michigan.” 

 

“Geologic hydrogen represents a transformative opportunity for Michigan, a state historically rich in natural resources and innovation,” said *Jim Saber,* *President and CEO of NextEnergy*. “By tapping into this abundant, naturally occurring resource, Michigan can lead the way in sustainable energy, create new jobs, and drive technological advancement. This isn’t just about energy—it’s about securing Michigan’s future as a leader in environmental stewardship and economic resilience, ensuring prosperity for generations to come.”  

“It’s not every day we discover new, abundant energy sources — the last one was nuclear power over 80 years ago,” said *Ishan Sharma,* who directs geologic hydrogen efforts at Renaissance Philanthropy [ [link removed] ]. “It’s even better when the new resource is potentially 90% less expensive than the way we make clean hydrogen today. Michigan’s one of the best places to show the world how geologic hydrogen can lower the costs of goods like steel & fuels, while cutting emissions in those industries decades earlier than anyone thought possible.” 

 

"Michigan has the natural resources and industrial know-how to lead in clean fuels and hydrogen production,” said *Jane McCurry,* *Executive Director of Clean Fuels Michigan.* “This Executive Directive takes an important step toward responsibly developing geologic hydrogen, helping position the state to attract private investment, support manufacturing growth, and create high-quality jobs." 

 

“Governor Whitmer’s directive sends a clear signal that Michigan is serious about leading in geological hydrogen,” said* Judd Herzer, Director of Mobility Research and Innovation at Michigan State University.* “With the right coordination across state agencies, research institutions, and the private sector geological hydrogen can move rapidly from scientific promise to practical application, supporting hydrogen-powered mobility, clean energy independence, and the advanced manufacturing opportunities that will define Michigan’s next era of innovation.” 

 

*Geologic Hydrogen* 

Geologic hydrogen is a natural energy resource with the potential to serve as a fuel source at a scale and price that is competitive with fossil fuels.  This uniquely clean resource can decarbonize some of the highest emission-producing industries, such as heavy-duty transportation, maritime shipping, and manufacturing. Michigan’s high potential for large, natural stores of geologic hydrogen has drawn significant national and international attention. Today’s initiative will build on Michigan’s leadership in clean-energy solutions. 

 

Investments in geologic hydrogen will solidify Michigan’s place at the forefront of the U.S. hydrogen economy, which is projected to reach tens of billions of dollars in new economic activity. Opportunities in clean hydrogen will create new, high-wage jobs for Michiganders, lower industrial production costs, encourage long-term, statewide investments, and keep Michigan competitive in a global marketplace.  

 

*Michigan’s Clean Energy Future* 

Today’s executive directive builds on Governor Whitmer’s commitment to a clean-energy future for Michigan. Since taking office, the Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration has: 

 


* Michigan named a leader in clean energy race, ranked 6th nationally for clean energy jobs, #1 state for energy sector job growth, automotive industry and electric vehicle investments. 

* Signed a historic legislation package to deliver on the MI Healthy Climate Plan [ [link removed] ] and develop a road map for Michigan to reach 100% carbon neutrality by 2050. 

* Signed a package of bills making Michigan a national leader in clean energy with the adoption of a 100% clean energy standard and more. 

* Signed bipartisan budgets [ [link removed] ] investing millions in climate-resilient infrastructure, electric school buses, renewable energy for low-income families, and more. 

* Launched a new office [ [link removed] ] to help Michigan workers take advantage of high-tech, high-paying jobs in automotive and clean energy sectors. 

* Reopened Palisades [ [link removed] ], protecting 600 union jobs and clean power for 1.4 million homes. 

 

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