The decision comes after public outcry prompted solar developer RWE Renewables to rescind its request to lease the state land. In a letter Friday, DNR Director Scott Bowen left open the possibility of future leases.
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
Trump administration to fast-track Line 5 tunnel, calling project 'emergency'
The Wednesday announcement marks an unusual use of a regulatory process normally used to speed responses to disasters like dam breaks and pipeline leaks. Environmentalists decried the move.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Natural gas plants in UP are 'clean' energy sources, House bills contend
UP lawmakers say the gas plants should be deemed acceptable under Michigan’s clean energy law, saying Yoopers would see energy bills spike if they are shut down prematurely. Environmentalists argue the bills are premature and unnecessary.
Posted inTalent & Education
70 international students face deportation in Michigan. Trump won't say why
International students’ future in the United States is in limbo as the Trump administration revokes student legal status often with little explanation. Michigan education and workforce development officials say they’re worried about the consequences.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Trump tariffs jolt Michigan: businesses eye cuts; shoppers tighten belts
Days into sweeping tariffs, Michigan companies and 401k holders have already lost billions in value, prompting tough choices. But some warn against ‘fear mongering.’
Posted inTalent & Education
Trump administration strips legal residency of international students at CMU, U-M
CMU officials discovered the visa terminations while doing routine checks of a federal database, and still have received no explanation from immigration officials. The University of Michigan later said four of its students were affected.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Nessel sues as Trump health cuts hit Michigan disease, addiction programs
Most of the now-cancelled grants were meant to help local health departments vaccinate vulnerable Michiganders, provide services for people with mental illnesses, addiction and gambling problems and monitor wastewater for infectious diseases.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Trump reverses cuts to Great Lakes lamprey program, but uncertainty remains
The Trump administration has reversed a purge of federal workers tasked with combatting one of the Great Lakes’ most damaging invasive species. But a month-plus delay in starting treatments may have consequences.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
DOGE lays out $394M in Michigan health cuts. But what does it mean?
Local health providers and public health leaders were set on edge this week after a federal website listed $394 million in cuts to Michigan’s state health department.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Trump's 'green bank' freeze puts Michigan climate, housing efforts in limbo
Michigan stood to receive hundreds of millions from a federal financing network that the Trump administration wants to abolish amid claims of a ‘far-left’ conspiracy. Michigan’s plans for the money included insulating old homes and building apartments.