Championing Energy Democracy in Michigan
Our Black History celebration continues. Clean Water Action proudly honors Erik McCleary as a 2025 Black History Clean Water Champion for his dedication to environmental justice and energy democracy in Michigan.
As Clean Water Action’s Southeastern Michigan Program Organizer, Erik focuses on empowering communities to take control of their energy future. A graduate of Hampton University with a degree in Political Science, he began his career working on electoral campaigns in Virginia, Oklahoma, Florida, and Missouri.
Erik joined Clean Water Action in 2019 as a field canvasser in Ann Arbor, directly engaging Michigan residents on environmental issues. During the pandemic, he transitioned to phone canvassing and became a Field Manager then Michigan Deputy Field Director, where he led key electoral campaigns in 2020.
Under the leadership of Sean McBrearty, Clean Water Action's Michigan's State Director, Erik is now at the forefront of Michigan’s energy battles—advocating for Ann Arbor’s municipal utility, publishing Coming Together for Equitable Public Power, and challenging major investor-owned utilities. Alongside coalition partners, Erik urges the state legislature and the Michigan Public Service Commission to push for green infrastructure while opposing fossil fuel expansion.
Erik believes true energy democracy requires communities to take ownership of power systems. By educating consumers on energy generation and distribution, he is laying the foundation for a nationwide transition to sustainable energy. Equity and inclusion remain central to his work. Recognizing the long history of environmental racism, Erik collaborates with frontline organizations to ensure that affected communities are included in decision-making and supported in their ongoing efforts.
Congratulations Erik, YOU ARE A CLEAN WATER CHAMPION.
