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Michigan Environment Watch examines how public policy, industry, and other factors interact with the state’s trove of natural resources.
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Marquette girds for climate change in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Marquette may become a destination as high heat and drought drive folks from southern communities more vulnerable to a shifting climate. But it still faces challenges — from intensifying rains to disease-carrying pests.
Old mines, perilous drains in Michigan’s Copper Country, which now eyes a fix
Epic floods devastated Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula. Foundations are now stepping in to fix a unique vulnerability: century-old drainage systems — built by mining companies — that sat neglected after mines shuttered and towns shrank.
As climate change threatens Midwest cultural identity, cities explore how to adapt
The spring floods were just the latest wake-up call as global warming raises the risks for everything from ice fishing to growing seasons.
Enbridge vows to cover costs in ‘unlikely’ case of Michigan Line 5 rupture
The promise came days after Nessel released a 120-page report raising questions about Enbridge’s financial obligations under a series of agreements that its U.S.-based companies signed with Michigan.
Michigan judge rules Enbridge Line 5 construction is constitutional
The victory, which could pave the way for the tunnel plan to proceed, is a setback for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who halted work on the project in March. Attorney General Dana Nessel released a 120-page report and vowed to appeal.
When residents say ‘no’ to aerial mosquito spraying
When states use pesticides to slow the spread of insect-borne diseases, should households be allowed to opt out?
Michigan environment roundup: Judge bars public from Wolverine World Wide PFAS hearing
The latest can’t-miss journalism about natural resources in Michigan and the Great Lakes.
Here’s what Gretchen Whitmer’s new PFAS water rules mean for Michigan
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last week proposed limits for seven types of the harmful “forever chemicals” that have been found in drinking water supplies. Just four other states have adopted similar regulations.
Michigan environment roundup: Great Lakes water levels may surge higher
The latest can’t-miss journalism about natural resources in Michigan and the Great Lakes.
Michigan fish fight: Bills would squeeze commercial fishers, help anglers
A key point of contention: Should lawmakers give commercial fishing companies access to lake trout, walleye and yellow perch? Advancing legislation would keep those fish off limits, reserving them exclusively for sportfishing.
A U-M researcher gets public’s help tracking deadly balloons in the Great Lakes
What goes up must come down, and balloon debris is killing wildlife, says Lara O'Brien. She launched a survey in June that’s already found more than 1,000 pieces of balloons along Michigan’s Great Lakes — as far away as Isle Royale.
Michigan environment roundup: Bringing solar power to the Upper Peninsula
The latest can’t-miss journalism about natural resources in Michigan and the Great Lakes.
Michigan seeks to cash in on CBD craze, but hemp harvest not without hiccups
Michigan’s first-ever hemp harvest is bearing fruit. Now that CBD has gone mainstream, early returns are positive, despite fears of overproduction and overhype.
Michigan businesses don’t have to choose between safe water and bottom line
Michigan’s freshwater resources don’t have to be in conflict with smart business investment and partnerships, experts said Thursday at the Center for Michigan’s Water Summit in Lansing.
Enbridge halts Line 5 Michigan ads featuring U.S. scientist, apologizes
The Canadian energy company halted the advertisements after MCFN and Bridge Magazine revealed the company did not have permission to run the photo and critics called the ads misleading.
How a U.S. scientist unknowingly starred in an Enbridge Michigan ad campaign
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says it didn’t give Enbridge Energy permission to feature an agency researcher in a statewide advertising campaign to protect the Line 5 oil pipeline. One person who worked with the researcher called the ads “dishonest.”
DTE Energy vows ‘net zero’ on carbon emissions for electric business by 2050
DTE Electric Co., the state’s largest power provider, said it hopes other utilities will pursue similar goals to slow the earth’s warming from greenhouse gases. The plan drew praise and some skepticism
Memo to Ted Nugent: Not all hunters hate Michigan’s deer bait ban
A ban on deer baiting is prompting fears of a plunge in hunting (and objections from the Motor City Madman) but conservation groups say the move is necessary to stop chronic wasting disease from decimating the herd.
Talk about Pure Michigan: Outdoor pursuits generate $10B, report says
A new federal report for the first time puts a dollar figure on the boating, RVing, hiking and skiing that Michigan loves. The amount is less than industry groups have touted, offering an opportunity for growth.
Algae is again fouling Lake Erie. Thanks a lot, Ohio.
As water quality fears rise, many Michigan farmers are doing their part to stem the flow of algae-producing nutrients, widespread measures that Ohio can only dream of.