Michigan Matters: Jennifer Granholm and Pete Buttigieg speak out

(CBS) – U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will appear on CBS Detroit’s “Michigan Matters” this Sunday to discuss a range of topics, including electric vehicles, the impact of severe weather on the power grid, aircraft safety and the importance of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Granholm, a former governor of Michigan, spoke about electric vehicles and the timeline for their transition a few years ago when it seemed like everyone – government and manufacturers – supported a rapid shift from gasoline to electric. That timeline has been adjusted because hybrid vehicles are currently more popular. She added that the government’s efforts to install more electric vehicle charging stations will continue because electric vehicles are on the way.

Buttigieg spoke about the importance of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which remains under construction and is scheduled to open in 2025, as it contributes to growing trade and travel between Detroit and the United States and Canada, Detroit’s largest trading partners.

Buttigieg also talked about $60 million in federal funds going to Detroit Wayne County Airport to pay for the rehabilitation of a road at the airport. He also mentioned funds going to other airports, including Lansing and Grand Rapids.

He also spoke about the massive effort to reopen the Port of Baltimore 100 days after a cargo ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge and caused it to collapse. Buttigieg explained how 56 federal and local agencies worked together on the effort.

Buttigieg now lives in Michigan after moving to near Traverse City with his husband Chasten and their three-year-old twin children to be near Chasten’s parents.

Watch “Michigan Matters” at the new time: Sundays at 5:30 a.m. on CBS Detroit, Sundays at 12:00 p.m. on Detroit 50 (WKBD)

(Carol Cain is the 13-time Emmy award-winning executive producer and host of Michigan Matters)