In a letter Tuesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer put Enbridge on notice that if the company keeps operating Line 5 in the Straits beyond Wednesday, the state will pursue legal action to recoup any profits Enbridge amasses from “wrongful use of the State’s property.”
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
On eve of Line 5 shutdown deadline, Enbridge vows to defy Michigan order
The Canadian petroleum company technically has until Wednesday night to stop piping oil through the Straits of Mackinac, according to the state of Michigan. But what happens if the company refuses to abide by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s order?
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
As northern Michigan warms, scientists bring tree seedlings from the south
A warming climate means trouble for northern Michigan’s boreal forests. By importing saplings common to southern Michigan, foresters aim to help trees get a head-start in building the forests of the future.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Judge: Traverse City needs voter approval for FishPass river project
A judge ruled Thursday that the $19.3 million project, which would allow scientists to test technology that allows some fish to pass through a dam on the Boardman River while others are kept out, can’t proceed without voters’ consent.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michiganders passed up $108 million in bottle deposits amid COVID closures
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.
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.