State officials this spring declared Saginaw Bay “impaired” due to nutrient pollution. Farmers like Steve Tait are now working to convince fellow farmers that no-till and other soil-conservation practices are profitable, along with good for the environment.
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
Nuclear power is having a moment in Michigan after Palisades
Billions of federal bailout dollars, a climate crisis and experimental new technologies have prompted a political resurgence. But experts say it may be too late to save Michigan’s shuttered Palisades plant.
Posted inMichigan Government
Lee Chatfield’s home searched amid criminal probe, Dana Nessel confirms
The search at Chatfield’s northern Michigan home comes amid an investigation into allegations of sexual assault.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Owner says Palisades nuclear plant closed for good. Michigan has other ideas
A performance issue closes plant 11 days early, but energy regulators say they still hope to find a buyer. Nuclear is a key part of helping Michigan become carbon neutral.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan farmers pinched by rising fertilizer prices. Consumers may be next.
Prices have doubled since last year. That could be bad news for the price of consumer goods but may be good news for Michigan waterways.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Map reveals Michigan National Guard’s proposed Camp Grayling expansion
The proposed expansion includes large tracts to the north, south, east and west of the existing 148,000-acre camp, some of it adjacent to the Au Sable and Manistee rivers.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Five fixes for Michigan’s drinking water woes
The Great Lakes News Collaborative asked state and national experts how Michigan could break the cycle of underfunding and poor decision-making that has left water systems across Michigan in sorry shape.
Posted inMichigan Government
Search warrant confirms scope of criminal probe of Lee Chatfield’s finances
An investigation that began with a sexual-assault complaint against the former Michigan House Speaker has expanded to financial records tied to campaign and nonprofit funds, and the roles of two close Chatfield associates, Rob and Anne Minard.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Some MI water systems are overbuilt, underfunded. Are mergers the answer?
Customers get cheaper, cleaner water when communities share the cost of infrastructure. But Michigan’s experience shows how political conflicts and logistical challenges can complicate the math.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan National Guard wants to double Camp Grayling training land
The Guard, seeking more space for cyber training and other modern military needs, would expand Camp Grayling’s footprint by accessing vast swaths of state land. It may face pushback from landowners and outdoor groups.