On a sunny Friday in early September, EDF Action activists and members came together for a day of kayaking and climate advocacy.

In Michigan, EDF Action has been on the ground for years building political power for climate action. For our local membership network, this event offered an opportunity to learn about local and federal conservation and clean energy efforts, network with leaders, and enjoy the outdoors with their fellow climate activists. 

At this year’s event in Ann Arbor, we were joined by a number of prominent climate and clean energy leaders: U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, State Senator Sue Shink, State Representatives Jason Morgan and Jennifer Conlin, Ann Arbor Environmental Council’s Stephen Brown, Clean Water Action’s Erin McClearey, Washtenaw Environmental Council’s Anne Brown, and Huron River Water Watershed Council’s Jason Frenzel. This line-up of prominent speakers offered a diversity of perspectives on local, state, and federal efforts to conserve Michigan’s environment, advance environmental justice, and strengthen our clean energy economy. 

Rep. Dingell noted that this event came at the one-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, a law that’s transforming our clean energy economy and advancing climate solutions in the United States. She shared that it’s important to tell your neighbors and friends about the Inflation Reduction Act; not everyone knows that its benefits are already impacting communities nationwide with expanded access to clean energy solutions, home energy efficiency rebates, electric vehicle tax credits, and more! 

After the speaking program, 30+ local activists hopped in kayaks to enjoy an afternoon on the Huron River. Afterwards, attendees enjoyed food, music, and fun at a post-kayaking reception in the Delhi Park pavilion. 

Check out a video of Representative Dingell speaking at this event on EDF Action’s Twitter here. Take a look at EDF Action’s upcoming virtual and in-person events here. 

Thank you to our event partners: Citizens Climate Lobby, Moms Clean Air Force, and Ann Arbor Power for All!