Michigan’s aging dams pose growing risks to thousands of downstream residents. Weak standards, slow enforcement and scarce funding mean problem dams fester as climate change brings ever-bigger floods.
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
Dam safety reforms, millions for repairs advance in Michigan Legislature
Dueling state House and state Senate bills need additional votes before heading to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk, but the votes represent major action on reforms that have stalled in past sessions.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Amid dam sale critiques, Consumers offers to send profits to safety fund
As it urges regulators to approve a dam sale plan that a judge called “not in the public interest,” Consumers has offered to funnel $270 million in ratepayer dollars into the special fund. Critics say the company shouldn’t be entitled to those profits in the first place.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
On fabled Au Sable River, a fight for soul of Michigan’s holy waters
The storied river is beloved by boaters and anglers alike — and one side no doubt will be unhappy by the resolution of Consumers Energy’s proposal to sell six hydroelectric dams.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Judge: Michigan should reject Consumers’ ‘highly problematic’ dam sale
After reviewing thousands of pages of legal filings tied to the sale, Judge James Varchetti concluded that the deal is not in the public interest. His conclusion is meant to advise the Michigan Public Service Commission as it prepares to issue a final decision.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch, Outdoors Life
Bridge Listens: The facts about Michigan’s environment, data centers, dams
Bridge readers identified the environment as a top 2026 election concern, with data centers, Great Lakes health and energy policy topping the list. We break down the issues, the facts and possible solutions.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan loves a ‘river story.’ But happy ending isn’t guaranteed
Michigan’s rivers are back from the brink — and play a pivotal role in state life. From dams to fish and pollution to development, they face a host of challenges that Bridge is exploring in a summerlong series.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Whitefish waning. Should Michigan have commercial trout, walleye catches?
Bills under consideration in the House aim to expand commercial access to walleye and trout as whitefish catch rates plummet. Recreational fishing advocates and state fishing regulators object.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan plans to reissue Line 5 permit amid federal review, court fight
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy preliminarily approved a water quality permit that will allow Enbridge Energy to discharge millions of gallons of wastewater per day into Lake Michigan during construction of a pipeline tunnel.
Posted inMichigan Government
House votes to nix Michigan’s 100% clean energy goal, but it’s DOA in Senate
House Republican leaders argued the law prioritizes clean energy at the expense of affordability. Senate Democratic leaders said the repeal has ‘no chance’ of advancing in their chamber.