Months after proposing a 2035 deadline for utilities to get all their energy from carbon-free sources, Democratic lawmakers say they’re moving the deadline to 2040 and making other changes.
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
Michigan company agrees to buy nuclear power from shuttered Palisades plant
A rural Michigan power cooperative has agreed to buy up to two-thirds of the plant’s power for roughly another 28 years. Other hurdles to a restart have yet to be cleared, including an application for a federal loan.
Posted inTalent & Education
Mel Tucker calls MSU sexual harassment probe a ‘sham’ excuse to fire him
Tucker, suspended as MSU football coach Sunday after bombshell allegations from a sexual misconduct prevention advocate, called the charges false and suggested MSU wants him out for ulterior motives.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Government watchdog: EPA slow to raise alarm in Benton Harbor water crisis
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.
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.