The storied river is beloved for 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.
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
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.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Watch live, ask questions as researchers visit Great Lakes’ deepest point
For the first time in 40 years, researchers will visit Superior Maximus, the deepest part of the Great Lakes. The expedition will happen during a live broadcast.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Some green energy projects struggle in Michigan amid local opposition
Green energy developers can bypass local governments and get approval through the state. However, opposition from communities remains a hurdle.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch, Michigan Government
As energy prices rise, Senate candidates clash over clean power future
With President Donald Trump rolling back clean energy policies, Michigan US Senate candidates offer competing visions for lowering costs, fighting climate change.