Oct 25, 2022

DTE Energy Supports Area Transit Proposals

by DTE Energy

DETROIT, October 25, 2022 – In a letter to the editor of the Detroit News, Jerry Norcia, DTE Energy chairman and CEO, expressed the company’s support for three transit proposals on this November’s ballot in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

Full text of the letter follows:

DTE Energy is a strong supporter of economic dynamism and workforce development, two issues linked inexorably in a region struggling to equip people for the modern workplace. That is why my company supports the independent efforts of leaders in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties to pass public transportation millage proposals. 

Without a functioning transportation system, people living in Metro Detroit can’t get to their jobs unless they own cars. For many of our neighbors, driving to work is not an option because they can’t afford a car, or they are too physically challenged to drive. Even for those who own automobiles, public transportation lets someone else do the driving, makes its affordable, safe and a reliable option that also conserves energy. 

Additionally, mass transit helps reduce road congestion and overall traffic emissions, especially as low- and zero-emission transit comes on line, improving air quality. 

In Wayne County, where Detroit-based DTE is headquartered, a renewal of the 0.994 mill levy will keep SMART buses rolling for another four years. In Macomb County, where SMART has been serving residents for more than 20 years, renewal of the 0.95 mill rate will continue that stellar service for five years. 

In Oakland County, residents are being asked to approve a 0.95 mill levy for 10 years to fund public transit throughout the county. It would maintain SMART services, replacing the expiring millage, and fund SMART service to rural transit providers. The proposal also would create new and longer bus routes connecting more of Oakland County, expanding services for seniors, veterans and people with disabilities across the county. 

To be clear, these are three separate proposals in three counties, giving residents in those counties a say in the funding, how it gets spent and the services they receive. DTE Energy supports them because they each in their own way: 

Help vulnerable members of their community get to and from work, school, doctors’ appointments and the grocery store. 

Boost the local economy.

Research shows that every $1 invested in public transportation creates $4 in economic output by attracting new businesses and expanding the talent pool for local employers. 

Bring accountability and transparency. Every dollar raised stays in the county where the millage is levied, and can be tracked online by taxpayers. 

As a company dedicated to economic growth, workforce development and clean energy, DTE encourages residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties to support their local millage proposals. 

Jerry Norcia is chairman and CEO of DTE Energy. 

About DTE Energy

DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The DTE portfolio also includes non-utility businesses focused on industrial energy services, renewable natural gas, and energy marketing and trading. As an environmental leader, DTE utility operations will reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions by more than 80% by 2040 to produce cleaner energy while keeping it safe, reliable and affordable. DTE Electric and Gas aspire to achieve net zero carbon and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. DTE is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy. 

For more information, members of the media may contact:

Pete Ternes: 313.235.5555