The series of bills should increase business accountability and reduce cleanup costs paid by taxpayers, supporters say. But business groups are wary of them, saying they’re extreme and could push companies out of the state.
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
Did auto industry pollute your Michigan town? Find out with interactive map
From metro Detroit to the Upper Peninsula, automakers and suppliers have polluted dozens of Michigan communities and left taxpayers with the cleanup bill. See if your town is affected.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
See how auto companies left trail of pollution, toxins in Michigan
The auto industry profited in Michigan communities, moved on, and left behind contamination that still festers today. See how Michigan cities have been left holding the bag.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan ‘polluter pay’ bills coming, following Bridge auto industry probe
Bridge Michigan explored the public cost of allowing automakers to leave polluted plants behind while they seek state incentives to build new ones. The Michigan Legislature is now poised to introduce bills to hold industry more accountable.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan House committee advances wind, solar permitting bills
The bills would shift permitting authority over large wind and solar projects from local governments to the state. They have support from environmentalists, and opposition from local government advocates.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan steps up dam removal in race against climate change
As climate change threatens to warm Michigan rivers, dam removal can drive temperatures down by several degrees overnight. An influx of state and federal money has boosted removal efforts, but advocates say more is needed.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Gone nearly a century, Michigan anglers can again catch Arctic grayling
Roughly 87 years since Arctic grayling were spotted in Michigan, the iridescent fish will soon be fishable in a handful of Upper Peninsula lakes. The state hopes to eventually build a self-sustaining population in the Lower Peninsula.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Proposed state oversight of solar, wind pits energy needs v. rural rights
Democratic bill sponsors say local fights over renewable energy threaten Michigan’s ability to meet climate goals and deliver reliable power. But Republican lawmakers say they fear rural communities will be railroaded by the green energy transition.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
With tensions rising, Michigan Democrats unveil clean energy reforms
A bill package introduced Tuesday would give the state control over the permitting of large wind and solar projects. Controversy is brewing as Democrats negotiate other parts of their clean energy package behind closed doors.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
In warming Great Lakes, climate triage means some cold waters won’t be saved
Government officials begin the grim task of prioritizing which cold lakes and rivers to sacrifice — or save — as the climate changes. Not all cold-water loving fish may survive in the northern Great Lakes region.