The court ruled 6-1 that the Michigan Public Service Commission’s review of a key permit for the petroleum pipeline tunnel was overly narrow, failing to consider whether the tunnel will harm public trust resources.
Kelly House
Kelly House covers Michigan's environment for Bridge Michigan, with a focus on the Great Lakes, climate change, industrial pollution, water quality and wildlife. She joined Bridge in March 2020 after reporting for the Oregonian, where her coverage earned national honors and sparked efforts to better protect Oregon's natural resources. Kelly holds a master's degree in environmental law from Lewis & Clark Law School and a bachelor's in journalism from Michigan State University.
Kelly grew up in Harrison and is based in Lansing.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Consumers Energy may drain part of Manistee River to investigate dam damage
Recent spring floods damaged the tailrace downstream of the Hodenpyl Dam. Other nonfunctioning equipment at the dam has made inspections difficult.
Posted inMichigan Government
Fact-check: How much money did Haley Stevens get from DTE?
In Michigan’s US Senate race, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has criticized rival Haley Stevens for accepting contributions from Michigan’s largest utility. Stevens has countered that her donors don’t own her vote.
Posted inMichigan Government
Fact-check: Millionaire claims in Abdul El-Sayed, Haley Stevens Senate race
Haley Stevens has repeatedly claimed to be the only non-millionaire in Michigan’s US Senate race. While she hasn’t proven the claim, Abdul El-Sayed hasn’t denied it, and past disclosures show he may be.
Posted inMichigan Government
Fact check: Did Haley Stevens really vote to ‘fund and thank’ ICE?
The Democratic US representative voted “yes” on two measures that included funding and thanking the immigration enforcement agency. But ICE was only a small part of the broader measures.
Posted inMichigan Government
Fact check: Abdul El-Sayed’s record on defund the police; Republican meddling
Bridge fact-checked claims by Haley Stevens and outside groups who’ve accused El-Sayed of benefitting from Republican spending and lying about his support for defunding the police.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
What to know as wildfires envelop Michigan in smoke (again)
Smoky summers are becoming the norm in Michigan as climate change increases wildfire threats. Here’s how to keep yourself safe.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
State issues Line 5 permits despite conceding its ‘significant impacts’
State agencies said the pipeline tunnel construction would affect Native American burial sites, wetlands and threatened and endangered species but concluded the benefits of the tunnel outweigh the damages. The project remains tied up in court.
Posted inMichigan Government
Fact check: El-Sayed, Stevens trade jabs on party loyalty, Kamala Harris
While Abdul El-Sayed released a video overstating his speed to endorse Kamala Harris, Haley Stevens falsely suggested he led a 2024 movement to withhold primary votes from former President Joe Biden.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Federal policy shields safety details of many Michigan dams. Foes demand change
Critics say owners of nearly 100 dams in Michigan take advantage of policies passed after 2001 terror attacks to deprive the public of basic information about the structures.