Rolling Forward: Climate Policy and Sustainability in 2025
The 5th Annual Grand Rapids Sustainable Business Policy Forum
Michigan Sustainable Business Forum will host its Fifth Annual Grand Rapids Sustainable Business Policy Forum on Monday, August 11 at the Bissell Treehouse at John Ball Zoo. Rolling Forward: Climate Policy and Sustainability in 2025 will address the uncertain landscape for investments in sustainable business and learn how policymakers and business leaders can work together to advance action on climate change and the circular economy.
Only six months removed from an administration that birthed the largest public sector investment in climate action and a notable increase in rules and regulations designed to promote emissions reductions and pollution prevention, the federal government has rapidly shifted priorities and is driving an unprecedented reconsideration of the country’s decarbonization and environmental justice commitments.
A newly divided state legislature, pending gubernatorial election, and evolving relationship with federal partners is creating uncertainty in Lansing, as state agencies and allies continue to advance the Mi Healthy Climate Plan, the new renewable energy laws and materials management planning, while deploying hard-won program funding and developing new legislation and regulatory frameworks.
While there is ample room for optimism, volatility is even a defining feature at the local level. West Michigan emerged early on as a leader in leveraging federal funds to develop programs that serve local communities — many of which now face uncertain futures.
The event will provide a space to highlight the progress that’s been made despite recent challenges and discuss what it will take to ensure the continuity and resilience of private and public sector investments with legislators and policymakers on the local, state, and federal levels.
Featured Speakers
- Special guest speaker on federal policy
- Representative Carol Glanville
- Representative John Fitzgerald
- Representative Stephen Wooden
- Representative Kristian Grant
- Representative Bryan Posthumus
- Ann Larson, Deputy Director, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy
- Annabelle Wilkinson, Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Grand Rapids
- Ed Rivet, Executive Director, Michigan Conservative Energy Forum
- Rocio Rodriguez, Executive Director, Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association
Complete speaker list available upon registration.
Agenda:
11:00 am – Lunch and Networking
12:20 pm – Program Begins
1:50 pm – Break
2:10 pm – Program Resumes
3:00 pm – Closing remarks and Adjourn