Democratic lawmakers want to end Michigan’s “shameful” reign as the only state without a statewide code to prevent leaky systems from fouling lakes, rivers and groundwater. Past efforts failed, but bill sponsors say the state’s surplus changes the conversation.
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
Once beset by industrial pollution, Rouge River on a slow path to recovery
Thanks to the Clean Water Act, the Rouge is no longer a dumping ground for industrial waste. But its gains are fragile and incomplete, with contaminants still soiling the river bottom and the fish that returned to its waters.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Proposal to ban solar developments on farmland withdrawn amid confusion
Opponents of solar development on Michigan’s farmland want to ban ‘utility-scale; arrays on land zoned for farming. But the proposal is on hold, for now, amid confusion about what ‘utility-scale’ means.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan rejects Camp Grayling expansion, instead offering annual use permits
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has rejected a proposal to double the footprint of the Camp Grayling military training base, instead making 52,000 acres available for potential short-term military use.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Lawmakers aim to phase out dry-cleaning chemical with a dirty reputation
Perchloroethylene cleans suits and silks like no other, but it also contaminates soil and groundwater. Some lawmakers want to ban the chemical, but dry cleaners fear another hit to their struggling industry.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan recycling rate ticks up, but still short of state goal
Michiganders are now keeping 21 percent of their waste out of landfills. The state aims to boost that to 45 percent, but disagreement lingers about how to get there.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan brine brouhaha: Proposed limits for unpaved roads prompt dustup
The salty solution is killing the state’s precious waters, but efforts to cut back on spraying have met fierce opposition.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Change Michigan’s Nov. 15 deer season opener? No way, DNR says
State officials wondered whether moving opening day from a fixed calendar date to the weekend would bring more interest to a waning sport. Turns out, Michiganders are deeply attached to the Nov. 15 tradition.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan Democrats: Utilities must use 100% carbon free energy by 2035
Democrats’ sweeping climate change package, to be unveiled Thursday, is among a host of proposals to boost green energy and cut back on fossil fuels.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Amid human health fears over PFAS, Michigan weighs new fish guidance
As evidence mounts about the health risks from the so-called ‘forever chemicals’, state regulators are considering whether PFAS ‘do not fish’ advisories are strong enough to protect Michiganders. If the answer is no, more rivers may be flagged for contaminated fish.