Michigan has invested heavily in clean energy, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 and positioning itself as a leader in renewable manufacturing. However, recent federal rollbacks on climate regulations have introduced uncertainty into the state’s plans.

In March, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency canceled more than 400 environmental justice grants to improve air and water quality in disadvantaged communities. Bentley Johnson, who leads federal government affairs at the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, shared his views on the rollbacks.

“That just seems wrong to take away these public benefits that there was already an agreement,” Johnson said. “Congress has already appropriated, we’re committed to spending this, to handing this money out, and the rug is being pulled out from under them.”

Those in favor of scaling back clean energy initiatives say government subsidies for clean energy projects burden taxpayers and increase the national debt. They also say solar and wind are less reliable than fossil fuels, which could lead to more blackouts.

Non-profit Climate Power reports that since November, clean energy projects worth more than $50 billion and more than 50,000 jobs have stalled or been canceled nationwide, including seven in Michigan.