The governor said Consumers’ concessions on the sale have been “too little, too late” and the sale would pass too much risk to taxpayers.
Michigan Environment Watch
Michigan Environment Watch examines how public policy, industry, and other factors interact with the state’s trove of natural resources.
Great Lakes News Collaborative
Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television, The Narwhal and Michigan Public work together to report on the most pressing threats to the Great Lakes region’s water. This independent journalism is supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. You can find all of the collaborative’s stories here.
Shockwave
The Great Lakes region is in the midst of a seismic energy shakeup, from skyrocketing data center demand and a nuclear energy boom, to expanding renewables and electrification. In 2026, the Great Lakes News Collaborative will explore how shifting supply and demand affect the region and its waters. Read the series here.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Feds issue Line 5 tunnel permit, call it ‘not contrary to the public interest’
The US Army Corps of Engineers approved construction of Enbridge Energy’s proposed Line 5 tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac despite expected adverse effects on endangered species and archaeological sites. The project remains tied up in court, with opponents promising new lawsuits.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Think you’re getting old? New study says Michigan sturgeon may live to 400
Some lake sturgeon swimming in the Great Lakes today may have been alive for centuries, according to new research that suggests scientists have significantly underestimated the fish’s lifespan.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
With no penalties for failure, many Michigan communities miss recycling goal
Michigan set a goal for 90% of urban households to have curbside recycling access by 2026. But with no penalties for missing the benchmark, many communities are still grappling with the costs and infrastructure needed to expand recycling.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan Supreme Court vacates key Line 5 permit
The court ruled 6-1 that the Michigan Public Service Commission’s review of a key permit for the petroleum pipeline tunnel was overly narrow, failing to consider whether the tunnel will harm public trust resources.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Seedling data shows Michigan forests under pressure from climate change, deer, disease
For the past three decades, MSU researchers have gone to Manistee National Forest to see which seedlings survive and how that will affect the future of Michigan’s forests.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Consumers Energy may drain part of Manistee River to investigate dam damage
Recent spring floods damaged the tailrace downstream of the Hodenpyl Dam. Other nonfunctioning equipment at the dam has made inspections difficult.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
What to know as wildfires envelop Michigan in smoke (again)
Smoky summers are becoming the norm in Michigan as climate change increases wildfire threats. Here’s how to keep yourself safe.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
State issues Line 5 permits despite conceding its ‘significant impacts’
State agencies said the pipeline tunnel construction would affect Native American burial sites, wetlands and threatened and endangered species but concluded the benefits of the tunnel outweigh the damages. The project remains tied up in court.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Federal policy shields safety details of many Michigan dams. Foes demand change
Critics say owners of nearly 100 dams in Michigan take advantage of policies passed after 2001 terror attacks to deprive the public of basic information about the structures.