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.
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 utilities may soon limit payouts to homes with rooftop solar
Michigan utilities are reaching caps on private renewable energy which means that, without new laws, they may no longer have to reimburse some homeowners for solar energy returned to the grid.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan health workers, senior facilities likely first for COVID vaccine
A federal panel Tuesday evening issued guidance that prioritizes Michigan’s front-line workers and its elderly in long-term care facilities. Vaccines for other vulnerable groups to follow, before the general public.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
COVID vaccine for Michigan health workers may arrive by next week
Michigan’s health care workers would be the first in line to receive a vaccine, which was developed within a year — an unprecedented effort against a deadly virus. A vaccine for the general population could arrive as early as spring, Michigan’s chief medical executive tells Bridge.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Enbridge sues Michigan over Line 5 shutdown order
The energy company announced Tuesday it has filed a complaint in federal court seeking to block Gov. Gretchen Whitmer from moving forward with plans to shut down Line 5 by May.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
With COVID everywhere, Michigan contact tracers losing control of spread
The public health system is so overwhelmed, health departments are advising residents not to expect a call from contact tracers if they’ve been exposed to the coronavirus. Meanwhile, federal money may soon run out.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan upholds Nestlé permit to withdraw 576K gallons of groundwater daily
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has dismissed a complaint challenging the 2018 permit that allows the company to increase its withdrawals form the Osceola County well, concluding Nestlé’s opponents should have taken their case to court.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Experts: Whitmer has upper hand in Line 5 case, but May shutdown is uncertain
Legal experts say the state has broad discretion to take action to protect the Great Lakes from environmental harm. Enbridge’s willingness to fight Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s shutdown order may depend on its ability to keep the oil flowing during litigation.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan politicians ran on water problems. Activists want money for fixes.
Water advocates say they plan to push state and federal lawmakers for more funding to address PFAS, lead line replacement, and other water issues. But the COVID-19 crisis could make budget dollars scarce.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
City of Flint, McLaren join water crisis settlement, bringing pot to $641M
Three new defendants have signed onto a preliminary settlement tied to the Flint water crisis and a judge is reviewing the agreement, bringing residents one step closer to financial compensation for the manmade catastrophe.