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.
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
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.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan Democrats unveil push for tougher polluter pay laws
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.
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.