This week’s can’t-miss journalism about Michigan’s natural resources.
Jim Malewitz
Jim Malewitz is the former environmental reporter for Bridge.
Michigan Truth Squad: Democrat candidates blast Nestlé’s ‘free’ water
In the race for Michigan governor, Democrats are widely condemning the state’s decision to allow Nestlé to pump up to 400 gallons per minute of water from one Osceola County well. Does their rhetoric match the facts?
Enbridge fined $1.9 million for inspection woes on Line 5, other pipelines
Enbridge Energy will pay up to settle the federal government’s claims it violated a $177 million settlement for the Kalamazoo River oil spill. The company allegedly failed to properly inspect certain sections of its pipelines — including parts of Line 5.
For small town battling Nestlé, Michigan’s permit doesn’t end water saga
Water lawyers are eying several avenues to challenge DEQ’s decision to allow a Nestlé water bottling facility to pump up to 400 gallons per minute from a well outside of Evart. It wouldn’t be the company’s first legal showdown in Michigan.
Michigan isn’t alone. Most states charge little for water bottlers like Nestlé
Long-held laws allowing for ‘reasonable use’ to water under land have kept withdrawal fees cheap. But Ontario charges big bucks to bottlers.
Michigan environment roundup: Despite billions, toxic algae chokes Lake Erie
This week’s can’t-miss journalism about Michigan’s natural resources.
Michigan approves $1B DTE natural gas plant in blow to environmentalists
The approval of DTE natural gas plant in St. Clair comes as energy giants are moving away from coal and debate is intensifying about what comes next.
Michigan was once a leader at recycling. Today, it’s the pits.
Nearly 40 years after Michigan implemented its landmark 10-cent deposit law, the state’s recycling rate is among the nation’s worst. What happened? And what is Lansing doing about it?
In northern Michigan, Emmet County seen as model for rural recycling
At the tip of Michigan’s Mitten, the rural county has become a model for keeping trash out of landfills.
Timing could be everything in Michigan fight over DTE natural gas plant
The outcome of a contentious dispute over a $1 billion natural gas plant planned for St. Clair County could hinge on whether DTE Energy must comply with new state guidelines for power plant proposals.