Critics say the Air Pollution Control Exemption is outdated, poorly enforced, and subsidizes companies for doing what they’re already legally required to do — even when they violate pollution laws.
Michigan Environment Watch
Michigan Environment Watch examines how public policy, industry, and other factors interact with the state’s trove of natural resources.
Great Lakes News Collaborative
Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television, The Narwhal and Michigan Public work together to report on the most pressing threats to the Great Lakes region’s water. This independent journalism is supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. You can find all of the collaborative’s stories here.
Shockwave
The Great Lakes region is in the midst of a seismic energy shakeup, from skyrocketing data center demand and a nuclear energy boom, to expanding renewables and electrification. In 2026, the Great Lakes News Collaborative will explore how shifting supply and demand affect the region and its waters. Read the series here.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
A law meant to clean Michigan’s air now costs the state billions with little oversight
A 1965 law exempts facilities that install air pollution control equipment from property taxes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
The Great Lakes are wasting a massive source of clean energy
Uncover the staggering facts about wasting clean energy in North America’s energy system. Learn how heat is lost every day.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Google inks deal with DTE Energy for another southeast Michigan data center
The company announced Tuesday that it’s exploring a possible data center development in Van Buren Township, west of the Detroit airport, while DTE Energy announced a 2.7-gigawatt energy deal with the company.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Toxic plume threatening Ann Arbor water supply named Superfund site
Some 120 water wells have already been affected and the city’s municipal water supply has been threatened. Now, the federal government will put new resources toward cleanup.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
5 things to know as Michigan lawmakers try again on dam safety reforms
A bipartisan group in the state House wants to boost Michigan’s weak dam safety standards while requiring owners to prove they can afford to maintain their dams.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Enbridge, Line 5 foes argue tunnel plan before Michigan Supreme Court
The court will soon decide whether state regulators acted properly when they granted key permits for the proposed Line 5 tunnel. It’s one of several imminent decisions that could decide the fate of the controversial oil pipeline in the Great Lakes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
A Wisconsin whitefish refuge offers lessons for Michigan. But will it last?
Once considered too polluted for whitefish to thrive, southern Green Bay has suddenly become the only place in Lake Michigan where the fish aren’t collapsing. What can Michigan learn from its success? And will it last?
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Ice shanties & ear stones: A day in Lake Michigan’s last whitefish stronghold
Photos from southern Green Bay’s world-class ice fishing scene help tell the story of ongoing efforts to protect the iconic Great Lakes whitefish.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Consumers warns Michigan: Dams could be torn down unless utility sells them
Critics warn the deal lacks safeguards to protect ratepayers and the public. But utility officials said they’d sooner decommission the dams than negotiate new terms.