The proposed EPA rule follows years of growing awareness of lead’s perils following the 2014 Flint water crisis. Michigan regulators support the rule, but say the state will need more money to meet the more aggressive timeline.
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
U-M’s mastodon man calls it a career after decades of solving Ice Age mysteries
Few have contributed more to the understanding of the early Americas and ancient mammals than Dan Fisher. After dozens of digs and numerous studies, he’s retiring from the University of Michigan this year.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan sees another year of double-digit growth for outdoor industry
The industry grew faster than the state’s overall economy, as it continued benefitting from a pandemic-era resurgence in camping, hiking, boating and the like. But there are challenges, and some argue the state must do more to bolster the industry.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
In antler-obsessed Michigan, the state begs hunters to shoot more does
Southern Michigan is being overrun by deer, and a series of steps to reduce herds have not helped. So state game managers are urging hunters this fall to forgo big bucks for does to lower birth rates. Not every hunter is on board.
Posted inMichigan Government
Concerns about Michigan steelhead populations prompt new catch limits
State regulators are ratcheting down the number of fish anglers can keep in some rivers, citing fears that the fish could be in trouble. State scientists disagree.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan Senate votes to override local decisions on wind, solar energy
In a party-line vote, the Senate passed bills that establish statewide permitting rules for large renewable energy developments, an end-run around local efforts to block wind and solar proposals in Michigan. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign the legislation.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Flint water cases doomed by missteps from Dana Nessel’s office, experts say
Eight years and millions of dollars later, investigations into the Flint water crisis will yield no trials for top Michigan officials. Legal experts say such cases are difficult, but Nessel’s office made several key errors.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan House passes climate change reform, mandating clean energy by 2040
A divided Michigan House passes legislation requiring utilities to draw 100 percent of their energy from clean sources by 2040. That’s a later timeline than environmentalists had sought — and foes say it will raise rates — but many say the reform is overdue.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan House votes to restrict local permitting of solar, wind farms
Passed along party lines, the legislation would end local governments’ authority to approve or deny projects. Proponents say the change would end local controversies and jump-start clean energy. Foes say it’s anti-farm and heavy-handed.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
No convictions for Flint: Attorney general ends water crisis prosecutions
A state prosecution team on Tuesday announced it’s given up on the effort to criminally charge public officials for the Flint water crisis. One unsurprised community leader called it “the norm” for a city repeatedly failed by the state.