With climate action on the state and national agenda, critics of Enbridge Line 5 warn that investing in new pipeline infrastructure undermines Michigan’s pathway to carbon neutrality. Experts say it’s not so simple.
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
In flooded Michigan neighborhoods, who should pay for sea walls?
For two straight summers, residents of Detroit’s Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood watched water pour into basements and pool in streets, a result of coastal flooding that will become increasingly common throughout the Great Lakes as climate change progresses.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Report: Lake Michigan is ‘running a fever.’ More storms, less fish possible.
A federal study finds that climate change is warming even the deepest waters of big lakes, which could shorten their winters and have a ripple effect on their health.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan tops U.S. in new COVID cases. Is it variants or just our turn?
Coronavirus cases in Michigan are increasing faster than in any other state, leaving many to wonder what’s driving the surge.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan warns of PFAS contamination in Lake Superior smelt
Weeks before the start of Michigan’s spring smelt run, state officials announced it could be dangerous to eat more than one serving a month of the small, shimmery fish from Lake Superior. Officials call the limit a precautionary measure.
Posted inMichigan Government
Violence against Asian Americans prompts calls for vigilance in Michigan
Asian-American Michiganders said a recent surge in cases of racism nationally reflects their experiences here. Two legislators are calling attention to concerns anti-Asian discrimination in Michigan is undercounted.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Last dam standing: Traverse City fish restoration project on the ropes
The FishPass project uses technology that would allow migratory fish to freely travel the river while keeping out invasive species. But some residents are suing, saying it would alter a local park. They want a citywide vote on the project.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Beverage companies want cut of Michigan bottle bill windfall during COVID
Previous industry efforts were rebuffed because they would divert funds earmarked for cleanup of contaminated land. A new bill would give beverage distribution companies a tax credit instead.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Canadian officials to Michigan Senate: Line 5 shutdown would wreck economy
At a hearing Tuesday before a Senate joint committee, Canadian government, business and union officials said keeping the aging pipeline open would be a “win-win” for Michigan and Canada, while Democratic senators grilled them over safety concerns.
Posted inMichigan Government
Biden COVID stimulus brings billions to Michigan. How much will your town get?
Governments are receiving a windfall unseen in decades, $5.9 billion to state coffers and $4.4 billion to cities, towns and counties. As communities eye neglected infrastructure and other needs, use this database to see how much is coming to Michigan communities.