Government auditors say EPA officials failed to follow a new ‘elevation policy’ that’s meant to generate a stronger response to the most urgent environmental and public health threats.
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
Appeals court nixes Michigan PFAS water limits in ruling for 3M
In a 2-1 ruling, a Michigan Court of Appeals panel said the state failed to analyze the cost to businesses of complying with the stricter PFAS rules, as was required. The limits will remain in place, however, until the litigation is over.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Consumers’ decision on 13 dams could alter Michigan rivers, towns
Consumers Energy is weighing what to do with old, hydropower dams that cost more to operate and maintain than the value of the energy they provide. But removing the dams has consequences for major rivers and local economies.
Posted inBusiness Watch
In settlement with critics, DTE Energy agrees to faster coal phase-out
The utility, which is Michigan’s largest electricity provider, will get off coal by 2032, three years earlier than previously planned. That still lags two years behind the goals set forth in Gov. Whitmer’s climate plan.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Nessel: $10B PFAS settlement with 3M doesn’t resolve Michigan’s claims
Some Michigan water suppliers may be eligible for payouts from the settlement over the chemical that was used in thousands of everyday products and has been linked to cancer and other health woes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Can climate migrants offset Michigan’s population woes? Maybe, experts say
As Michigan economic development officials fret over population loss that threatens the state’s future, some see a potential solution in so-called “climigrants” fleeing drought, wildfires, hurricanes, rising seas and heat.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan lawmakers pledge ‘full support’ for reopening Palisades nuclear plant
In addition to a big federal loan, the company that owns the closed plant wants $300 million from Michigan taxpayers to reopen. Some bipartisan legislators back the idea.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
With lawsuits stalled in Michigan, Nessel seeks Line 5 shutdown in Wisconsin
The attorney general on Wednesday filed a brief in Wisconsin federal court supporting a Native American tribe’s effort to shut down the Line 5 pipeline over fears of a rupture into a river that runs through tribal land.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Fix the damn roads? Michigan must first decide who OKs the darn gravel mines
Lawmakers revive years-long debate over who has authority over siting new sand and gravel mines: municipalities or the state?
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Flint misses new deadline in long-overdue lead line replacement effort
Advocates say the city has blown through a court-ordered May 1 deadline to figure out which Flint residents are still dealing with potholed yards and sidewalks, after work crews excavated lead service lines and left a mess behind.