State environmental officials acknowledge public concerns about the proposed tunnel, but said state law limited their nine-month review to a narrow question: Would tunnel construction activities comply with Michigan’s environmental laws? Substantial legal obstacles remain for the company.
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 cities must begin replacing lead pipes. But who has the cash?
Under a Snyder-era reform following the Flint water crisis, Michigan utilities must begin switching out lead service lines this month, part of a 20-year project. But some already are seeking extensions and some cash-strapped cities are reluctant to have vulnerable ratepayers shoulder the burden.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Q&A: How to protect against lead as Michigan waits for new water pipes
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, the pediatrician who helped uncover the Flint water crisis, said Michigan’s lead service line replacement program is a major stride toward reducing lead exposure. But Michigan residents need not wait to start protecting themselves from lead-tainted water.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Flint residents unimpressed by Snyder charges linked to lead poisoning
Years after a cost-cutting move resulted in lead-poisoned drinking water in Flint, residents said they are furious that the governor who placed their city under emergency control won’t face more serious charges.
Posted inMichigan Government
Rick Snyder, top aides expected to face charges in Flint water crisis
Prosecutors are expected to bring new charges Thursday against a host of public officials in the poisoning of Flint. Residents welcome the charges, but attorneys call the case a ‘debacle’ and ‘trial by ambush.’
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Enbridge to Michigan: We won’t shut down Line 5
In a letter Tuesday to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a senior executive for the Canadian oil company said Enbridge won’t comply with Whitmer’s order to shut down the pipeline and alleged state officials relied on outdated and faulty information to justify the shutdown order.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Republicans who pushed false fraud claims: Don’t blame us for riots
A year of violence, much of which was rooted in Michigan, erupts in mayhem in Washington. While all sides condemn the violence, Democrats say Republicans fueled flames for months and Black activists were treated far differently for civil rights protests.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan gravel industry to again try to limit local control on mining
But this year, groups opposed to gravel mining in their communities say they will fight back with legislation of their own. After years of litigation, is 2021 the year the two sides find common ground?
Posted inMichigan Government
What Jennifer Granholm’s appointment as energy secretary means for Michigan
Energy and political experts expect Granholm to borrow a page from her playbook as governor, using grant programs and financial incentives to fund research and attract industry investment in a carbon-free economy.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
With Line 5 closure, a ‘game of chicken’ over how to heat Upper Peninsula
Weaning the U.P. of its dependence on Enbridge Line 5 will likely require investments in rail or truck-based propane transport. But one month after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered Enbridge to shutter Line 5 by May, a Plan B for propane has yet to emerge.