Amid bitter battles over putting renewable energy on undeveloped land, some see parking lots as an appealing alternative. But be prepared for costs to double.
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
State enlists public to search for wolves in northern lower Michigan
While there is no evidence of an established population below the Mackinac Bridge, state biologists say there is some suitable habitat in the peninsula’s far northern reaches.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Avian flu has killed over 300 geese, other wild birds in Michigan, state says
State officials say the highly contagious avian flu is now widespread in Michigan’s wild bird populations. The virus has also swept through commercial and backyard flocks and migrated to livestock and humans.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Trump tries to block EV charger money — again. Michigan impact ‘clear as mud’
Michigan has spent $2.2 million out of $110 million it was promised for EV chargers under a program the Trump administration is now attempting to prevent more spending through.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Gone a century, Arctic grayling return soon to Michigan. Can they survive?
Logging, overfishing and competition from non-native trout wiped out Michigan’s Arctic grayling population nearly a century ago. But the fish will soon swim again in tributaries of the Boardman, Manistee and Maple rivers.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan’s EV transition in limbo as Trump halts climate spending
Within hours of taking office, President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies to ‘immediately pause’ spending tied to key climate laws. Michigan was in line to receive tens of millions for EV chargers alone.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan wants to insulate 15,000 homes but needs hundreds of contractors
Flush with federal cash, Michigan officials plan to upgrade 15,000 homes with insulation, airtight windows and high-efficiency furnaces. But first, officials need to recruit hundreds of contractors to do the work.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
What furor over drab Gaylord land says about Michigan’s energy transition
Nobody thought much of 420 acres in Gaylord until a proposal to put solar panels on it. Now, it’s become hallowed ground — and points to the difficulty of meeting Michigan’s climate goals.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Study: Climate change means fewer freezing winter days in Michigan
Michigan now sees nine fewer days of sub-freezing temperatures each winter because of warming caused by burning fossil fuels, according to a new study. It’s on track to get worse.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Gaylord solar lease plan sparks broad battle over green energy in Michigan
Controversy over a proposal to lease state land near Gaylord for a solar array has spiraled into a battle over Michigan’s role in the green energy transition. Some lawmakers want to halt all solar development on public lands; critics accuse them of hypocrisy.