Michigan’s rivers are back from the brink — and play a pivotal role in state life. From dams to fish and pollution to development, they face a host of challenges that Bridge is exploring in a summerlong series.
Kelly House
Kelly House covers Michigan environmental issues for Bridge. She joined the Bridge staff in March 2020. Previously, Kelly reported for the Oregonian, where her coverage of the environment and other topics garnered national honors and sparked state efforts to better protect Oregon’s natural resources. She has a master’s degree in environmental law from Lewis & Clark Law School and a bachelor’s in journalism from Michigan State University. She is from Harrison and lives in Lansing. You can reach her at khouse@bridgemi.com or on Twitter at @Kelly_M_House.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Whitefish waning. Should Michigan have commercial trout, walleye catches?
Bills under consideration in the House aim to expand commercial access to walleye and trout as whitefish catch rates plummet. Recreational fishing advocates and state fishing regulators object.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan plans to reissue Line 5 permit amid federal review, court fight
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy preliminarily approved a water quality permit that will allow Enbridge Energy to discharge millions of gallons of wastewater per day into Lake Michigan during construction of a pipeline tunnel.
Posted inMichigan Government
House votes to nix Michigan’s 100% clean energy goal, but it’s DOA in Senate
House Republican leaders argued the law prioritizes clean energy at the expense of affordability. Senate Democratic leaders said the repeal has ‘no chance’ of advancing in their chamber.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Appeals court issues split ruling in Michigan solar permitting suit
Local governments had sued the state over rules that limit their control over renewable energy permitting. A three-judge panel largely upheld the rules, with some changes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan lawmakers may fund last-ditch effort to save whitefish
Lawmakers move to restock the iconic fish that are disappearing from the lower Great Lakes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan lawmakers ponder dam safety reforms, but ask who will pay
A state House committee on Wednesday considered legislation that would toughen Michigan’s dam safety standards. But one questioned whether the legislation would just be ‘another unfunded mandate.’
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Feds order immediate inspection of Cheboygan Dam powerhouse
Potential damage to the dams during last week’s high waters means the risk of dam failure could still exist.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan’s latest dam safety crisis revives calls for reforms, funding
Lawmakers vowed to strengthen Michigan’s weak dam safety laws after the Midland dam failures of 2020 but never did. Some see a window of opportunity for renewed action after the latest floods.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Supreme Court sides with Nessel in Line 5 jurisdiction dispute
Enbridge had sought to move Nessel’s Line 5 shutdown case into federal court, where the company was expected to get more favorable treatment. But justices unanimously ruled that the company missed the deadline to do so.