Ballast water regulations have limited the introduction of new species in the Great Lakes, but new research shows they may be spread by domestic freighters. The shipping industry claims new rules would cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
Jim Malewitz
Jim Malewitz is the former environmental reporter for Bridge.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan environment roundup: State says Flint is violating Safe Drinking Water Act
The latest can’t-miss journalism about natural resources in Michigan and the Great Lakes.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan GOP files new suit to stop independent redistricting commission
State Republican Party’s federal lawsuit argues the structure of the 13-member board violates its freedom of association.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
All eyes on Grand Traverse Bay as deadline looms for tribal fishing decree
A consent decree that carves out fishing rights in the Great Lakes for five Michigan tribes is set to expire next August and negotiations have yet to start with the state. The outcome could shape fisheries for decades.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Environment roundup: Michigan punts on PFAS testing at dairy farm
The latest can’t-miss journalism about natural resources in Michigan and the Great Lakes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Q&A: Demystifying sky-high electricity rates in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
“There is widespread discontent” with the U.P.’s biggest electricity provider: Upper Peninsula Power Co. Elise Matz, a consumer advocate, wants to help Yoopers understand what’s going on.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan farm country testifies of widespread crisis as crops go unplanted
At a legislative hearing, Michigan farmers, academics and public officials predict fallout from bad weather and a trade war will be widespread and long-lasting.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Study: Asian carp could thrive in Lake Michigan, despite earlier doubts
A new University of Michigan study found that voracious bighead carp could survive in wider areas of Lake Michigan than previously thought. The findings loudened calls for Congress to approve a $778 million barrier to prevent the invasive fish from jeopardizing the Great Lakes’ $7 billion commercial fishery.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Before debates, Gretchen Whitmer urges Democrats to protect Great Lakes
Joining fellow Democratic governors in Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, Michigan’s governor urges presidential hopefuls to protect the Great Lakes by backing proposals that would improve water quality and thwart invasive species.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
It’s not just Flint: Poverty is bad for your health in Michigan, study finds
As Gov. Gretchen Whitmer focuses on environmental justice, a new study by the University of Michigan maps ‘hot spots’ where low-income people of color are exposed to high levels of pollution.