As it urges regulators to approve a dam sale plan that a judge called “not in the public interest,” Consumers has offered to funnel $270 million in ratepayer dollars into the special fund. Critics say the company shouldn’t be entitled to those profits in the first place.
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
Sell out or repair? Homeowners torn after Michigan’s historic flooding
A number of homeowners affected by the historic spring floods are tearing down or selling out — changing their Up North lakeside communities as they do.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan floods expose lack of information, preparation in many rural areas
The April floods that inundated half the state caught many unprepared — and uninsured.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
On fabled Au Sable River, a fight for soul of Michigan’s holy waters
The storied river is beloved by boaters and anglers alike — and one side no doubt will be unhappy by the resolution of Consumers Energy’s proposal to sell six hydroelectric dams.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Bloody red shrimp found in Lake Superior; invader now in all 5 Great Lakes
Scientists have confirmed that the invasive bloody red shrimp has established itself in Lake Superior — the last of the five Great Lakes with an established population that could pose an ecological threat.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan island needs reliable power. Can Great Lakes waves provide it?
University of Michigan researchers are this week testing a prototype that turns wave energy into electricity for the remote Beaver Island.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan researchers, boaters count on NOAA data. Trump wants to cut $1.3B
Trump’s proposed $1.3 billion cut would zero out programs that support weather observations, water quality, maritime safety and recreation on the Great Lakes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Judge: Michigan should reject Consumers’ ‘highly problematic’ dam sale
After reviewing thousands of pages of legal filings tied to the sale, Judge James Varchetti concluded that the deal is not in the public interest. His conclusion is meant to advise the Michigan Public Service Commission as it prepares to issue a final decision.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan bald eagle success story faces new threats
Severe weather and food challenges threaten one of the nation’s greatest conservation comebacks.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Grand Rapids to ‘restore the rapids.’ But how will it keep out lamprey?
Starting July 1, Grand Rapids will begin removing four downtown dams in a two-year effort to restore the natural rapids that gave the city its name. But officials are still studying how to remove a fifth dam and still keep out invasive sea lamprey.