The steep downturn in people returning bottles to reclaim deposit money has created a huge one-time revenue boost for the state environmental cleanup fund and beverage retailers, which split the money from unclaimed deposits. But state officials worry the numbers are misleading.
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
Michigan Gov. Whitmer: State facilities will run on renewables by 2025
Clean energy advocates lauded the commitment, which leverages the state’s buying power to help utilities expand renewable capacity.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan regulators will consider climate change in Line 5 decision
Pipeline opponents hailed the decision by the Michigan Public Service Commission as “historic,” while Enbridge downplayed its significance.
Posted inUrban Affairs
Michigan hails Chauvin conviction as ‘a victory for Black and brown lives’
Many couldn’t watch. Others reminded themselves to breathe. When a former Minnesota police officer was convicted of George Floyd’s murder, they said they could exhale. For now.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan offers $97 million for projects that can boost recycling in state
Through NextCycle Michigan, a new program announced Monday, government and businesses have teamed up to devote tens of millions to supporting ideas that divert waste from landfills. Think “upcycled” clothing and toilet paper made from recycled boxes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Feds fine former Midland dams owner $15 million over safety violations
The fine may be purely symbolic, since Boyce Hydro has declared bankruptcy. But the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission chair called it “a clear message” to other dam owners that the agency is serious about dam safety.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
A big fight in Lansing over fishing rules on the Great Lakes
With Great Lakes whitefish in decline, commercial fishers say they’re fighting for survival against state rules that would put them out of business. But recreational fishing advocates say the commercial trade needs more regulation.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Meet the Michigander who's advising Biden on environmental justice
President Joe Biden has promised to combat systems that unfairly burden communities of color with pollution and other threats. Kyle Whyte, a University of Michigan professor, environmental justice scholar and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, has been tapped to help shape the White House’s strategy.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan’s Dingell and Upton revive effort to set federal PFAS standards
A divided Congress has stymied legislation to require the U.S. EPA to set drinking standards for the harmful chemical once used in a host of products. But a new administration brings new hope, sponsors say.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Lawsuit: Michigan wolf advisory group stacked with hunting advocates
Activists fear a group that may make recommendations on a wolf hunt is stacked with partisans. Tribes and Upper Peninsula hunters have similar complaints about the panel.