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Michigan Environment Watch examines how public policy, industry, and other factors interact with the state’s trove of natural resources.
Articles
Michigan cities must begin replacing lead pipes. But who has the cash?
Under a Snyder-era reform following the Flint water crisis, Michigan utilities must begin switching out lead service lines this month, part of a 20-year project. But some already are seeking extensions and some cash-strapped cities are reluctant to have vulnerable ratepayers shoulder the burden.
Q&A: How to protect against lead as Michigan waits for new water pipes
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, the pediatrician who helped uncover the Flint water crisis, said Michigan’s lead service line replacement program is a major stride toward reducing lead exposure. But Michigan residents need not wait to start protecting themselves from lead-tainted water.
Years after Flint water crisis, lead lingers in school buildings
The federal appropriations bill for the 2021 fiscal year, signed into law this week, included $26.5 million to test for lead in schools and child care centers, a nod to the legacy of the Flint water crisis, which lifted the issue of lead in drinking water into the national spotlight.
Flint residents unimpressed by Snyder charges linked to lead poisoning
Years after a cost-cutting move resulted in lead-poisoned drinking water in Flint, residents said they are furious that the governor who placed their city under emergency control won’t face more serious charges.
Snyder, top aides charged in Flint water crisis. Is that justice?
Seven years after a fateful water switch, the former governor faces two misdemeanors, while others including former health director Nick Lyon were charged with several felonies.
Enbridge to Michigan: We won’t shut down Line 5
In a letter Tuesday to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a senior executive for the Canadian oil company said Enbridge won’t comply with Whitmer’s order to shut down the pipeline and alleged state officials relied on outdated and faulty information to justify the shutdown order.
Michigan gravel industry to again try to limit local control on mining
But this year, groups opposed to gravel mining in their communities say they will fight back with legislation of their own. After years of litigation, is 2021 the year the two sides find common ground?
Best of Bridge Michigan: Top environment stories from 2020
From the failure of two Midland-area dams to continued damage from climate change, Michigan’s environment was often in the news this year.
With Line 5 closure, a ‘game of chicken’ over how to heat Upper Peninsula
Weaning the U.P. of its dependence on Enbridge Line 5 will likely require investments in rail or truck-based propane transport. But one month after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered Enbridge to shutter Line 5 by May, a Plan B for propane has yet to emerge.
Michigan utilities may soon limit payouts to homes with rooftop solar
Michigan utilities are reaching caps on private renewable energy which means that, without new laws, they may no longer have to reimburse some homeowners for solar energy returned to the grid.
Public Concern: Climate change, runoff and chemicals at the forefront of people’s worries about the Great Lakes
Climate change was propelled “from the 15th most-mentioned in 2017 to today’s top concern,” the report said.
Enbridge sues Michigan over Line 5 shutdown order
The energy company announced Tuesday it has filed a complaint in federal court seeking to block Gov. Gretchen Whitmer from moving forward with plans to shut down Line 5 by May.
Michigan upholds Nestlé permit to withdraw 576K gallons of groundwater daily
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has dismissed a complaint challenging the 2018 permit that allows the company to increase its withdrawals form the Osceola County well, concluding Nestlé’s opponents should have taken their case to court.
Experts: Whitmer has upper hand in Line 5 case, but May shutdown is uncertain
Legal experts say the state has broad discretion to take action to protect the Great Lakes from environmental harm. Enbridge’s willingness to fight Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s shutdown order may depend on its ability to keep the oil flowing during litigation.
Michigan politicians ran on water problems. Activists want money for fixes.
Water advocates say they plan to push state and federal lawmakers for more funding to address PFAS, lead line replacement, and other water issues. But the COVID-19 crisis could make budget dollars scarce.
City of Flint, McLaren join water crisis settlement, bringing pot to $641M
Three new defendants have signed onto a preliminary settlement tied to the Flint water crisis and a judge is reviewing the agreement, bringing residents one step closer to financial compensation for the manmade catastrophe.
As Great Lakes pummel Michigan, beach towns rush to set development rules
Facing widespread coastal damage amid record high water levels, some lakeshore communities are rethinking policies that allowed people to build too close to the water.
Five themes to watch as Michigan reconsiders its use of public lands
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is working on an update to the plan that guides management decisions over 4.6 million acres of public lands. Here’s what to expect.
Q&A: What Michigan’s move to shut down Enbridge Line 5 means
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered the Line 5 pipeline shut down by May, but those involved in Michigan’s pipeline debate said they’re expecting a lengthy legal battle before the pipeline’s fate is settled. Here’s what we know now.
Whitmer orders Enbridge Line 5 shutdown, citing easement violations
Citing violations of a 1953 easement that gives Enbridge permission to operate its petroleum pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday announced that Enbridge must shut the pipeline down by May.