With ambitious climate and clean energy policies, the Great Lakes states are attracting new investment and jobs to a region whose manufacturing legacy speaks for itself and reducing volatile utility costs for companies and households. Now, the region is a clean manufacturing powerhouse. Companies and investors in the Midwest understand the benefits of clean energy and energy efficiency, and they regularly stand up to advocate for policies to unlock the promise of the clean energy economy.
Our advocacy in the Midwest
Despite the region’s long reliance on fossil fuels, states in the Midwest increasingly recognize the economic and public health benefits of the clean energy economy. Ceres works with leading companies to advance and implement clean energy and clean transportation policies that will reduce pollution, keep electricity affordable, and build a more resilient economy.
Where We Work
Illinois
The Illinois business community supported sweeping 2021 energy and climate legislation that lays the groundwork for a net zero future. The state followed up in 2026 with the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, a landmark law to modernize the grid and keep energy prices down, cementing its role as a regional climate and clean energy leader.
Michigan
The MI Healthy Climate Plan earned the support of some of the state’s top employers upon its 2022 release because it provided a path to a stronger economy powered by cheap clean energy. Lawmakers followed up in 2023 with legislation committing to 100% clean electricity by 2040 — a key step to ensure that one of the nation’s most iconic industrial states is primed to compete in the modern economy.
Minnesota
Minnesota moved decisively in 2023 to pass one of the nation’s most ambitious clean energy requirements, pledging to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. Companies and investors continue to call for additional policies to build upon that strong foundation by modernizing the power grid and electrifying transportation.
Ohio
Companies and investors have been among the strongest advocates for Ohio’s renewable energy and energy efficiency programs, and they have been equally strong critics of lawmakers’ move in 2019 to weaken them. The Ohio business community continues to call for the reinstatement of energy efficiency programs and additional policies that will lower energy costs and build a more resilient economy.
Corporate advocacy in action
Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a landmark law to modernize the grid, bolster energy efficiency, and expand battery storage and distributed resources. Leading companies in the state helped push it across the finish line, highlighting its potential to lower energy prices and accelerate clean energy deployment.
Home Energy Rebates
Wisconsin became the first state to launch a new federal home energy, performance-based rebate program, drawing on feedback from Ceres and key manufacturers, retailers, and service providers.
100% Clean Electricity
Acting quickly at the start of the legislative session in 2023, Minnesota lawmakers approved an ambitious commitment to 100% clean electricity by 2040. Not to be outdone, Michigan passed a similar standard later in the year with strong support from major employers, along with other important climate and energy policies.
Healthy Climate Plan
Major Michigan employers, including Ford and General Motors, wrote to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in support of strong climate policy as the governor prepared to release the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which has since guided the state’s climate, clean energy, and environmental justice action.
Climate and Equitable Jobs Act
Major companies pushed Illinois to finalize legislation establishing key climate policies in the state, including: the phase-out of coal plants by 2045; a commitment for 100% of electricity to come from clean sources by 2050; prevailing wage rules for workers; and new electric vehicle and energy efficiency incentives.
Clean Car Standards
Minnesota joined more than a dozen other states in adopting strict fuel efficiency standards for passenger vehicles that will speed up the deployment of electric vehicles, thanks to support of major businesses in the Commonwealth.
Companies and investors have been among the strongest advocates for Ohio’s renewable energy and energy efficiency programs, and they have been equally strong critics of lawmakers’ move in 2019 to weaken them. The Ohio business community continues to call for the reinstatement of energy efficiency programs and additional policies that will lower energy costs and build a more resilient economy.
Businesses with employees and operations across Minnesota helped to pass bipartisan legislation to reduce energy waste and help Minnesotans save money on their utility bills.
Renewable Energy Standard
As a result of immense corporate pressure, Michigan lawmakers increased the state’s renewable energy standard to 15% by 2021 and expanded investments in energy efficiency.
Latest updates on our work in the Midwest
Jan 8, 2026
Ceres and businesses in Illinois applaud landmark energy law to cut costs and modernize infrastructure
Oct 31, 2025
New energy legislation positions Illinois as a national leader to tackle rising energy costs and modernize infrastructure
Sep 11, 2025
Stakeholders gather in Minnesota to explore the future of energy through virtual power plants
Dec 18, 2024
Ohio lawmakers must consider efficiency programs in 2025 to bring savings, reliability to Ohio
Nov 18, 2024
Ohio businesses urge Senate support for energy efficiency bill to restore jobs and savings in state
Aug 14, 2024
Federal, state, and private-sector leaders meet in Minnesota as state rebate programs take shape
Become a leading advocate with the Ceres Policy Network
The Ceres Policy Network represents some of the most recognizable brands in the U.S., who have become leading advocates in the fight against the climate crisis in the Midwest and beyond.
Learn more
Never miss an alert
Subscribe to the latest news and updates.