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.
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
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.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Gov. Whitmer offers propane plan for Upper Peninsula after Line 5 shutdown
The plan, which comes two months before the day Whitmer has said Enbridge Energy must stop transporting petroleum through Line 5, outlines investing in rail and storage, incentivizing energy efficiency, and taking other steps to offset the loss of Line 5.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Too few farmers are curbing pollution in Lake Erie. Should they be forced?
As climate change complicates Lake Erie’s algae problem, scientists say farmers must do far more to reduce phosphorus runoff. But will enough farmers change their ways without a government mandate?
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Should Michigan hunt wolves, cranes, moose? Republican lawmakers think so.
State and federal parks and species managers said they don’t plan to act on a flurry of legislative resolutions calling for new hunting seasons targeting gray wolves, sandhill cranes and Isle Royale moose.
Posted inMichigan Government
U.S. ‘incompetency’ led to Edenville Dam failure, couple claims in lawsuit
Dan and Cathy Allen, whose home was severely damaged by floodwaters following the Edenville Dam collapse in May, say federal regulators should have made sure the dam’s owner could pay to fix the dam before granting it a license.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan dams need ‘immediate attention’ to prevent next failure
In a report detailing 86 recommendations designed to improve dam safety in Michigan, members of a state task force focused on changes to state law and policy, along with funding fixes to prevent future dam failures like the Edenville break in May.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan is no Texas, but it has grid reliability issues of its own
Michigan’s electricity sector is more prepared for extreme cold and is connected to a regional grid that increases its resilience. But experts say it remains vulnerable to extreme weather events that will become more common as the climate changes.