A group composed mostly of Native American women say they’ve discovered evidence of an Ice Age cultural site in the Straits of Mackinac, and they want state officials to investigate before making decisions about Enbridge’s plan to drill a tunnel under the Straits.
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
Gov. Whitmer unveils $500M spending strategy for Michigan water
Experts said the strategy, which largely draws upon existing funding sources to tackle PFAS contamination, lead pipe replacement, sewer overflows and other water challenges, is a good step but fixing Michigan’s water infrastructure will require more investment.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan dam safety program underfunded, understaffed, slow to enforce
The state’s dam program suffers from a “culture of minimal enforcement” and lacks the time, staff, and budget to properly do its job, an outside review team has found.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
One Michigan county tells the story of a nation plagued by water pollution
Farms housing thousands of animals are one of several sources contaminating the Pine River and dividing a mid-Michigan community.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Smoke over Michigan skies as western wildfires burn
So far, the wildfire smoke hovering over Michigan has not impacted regional air quality. But climate experts say it should serve as a sobering reminder that the Great Lakes State is not immune to worsening natural disasters caused by climate change.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan may get through COVID-induced bottle backlog sooner than expected
Michigan’s soft drink and recycling industries say they are ahead of projections for absorbing all those bottles and cans back into the system. Long lines, closures and bottle limits at groceries may ease this fall.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
In Michigan, rising lake levels disturb sacred ground
Along Lake Michigan’s shores, rising waters are eroding Indigenous Odawa burial sites.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Judge: Enbridge can resume full operations on Michigan Line 5 pipeline
Ingham County Circuit Court Judge James Jamo on Wednesday said Enbridge can resume normal operations on Line 5, which had been partially shut down for months after damage was discovered to an anchor support on the lakebottom petroleum pipeline.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
The deadly disease that wiped out 90% of the Upper Peninsula’s bats, and a new hope for one species
A new study shows a glimmer of hope for bats affected by white-nose syndrome.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Enbridge just wants a permit. Michigan critics want to bring down Line 5
As the Public Service Commission considers whether to allow Enbridge to move pipelines into a tunnel, opponents hope to elevate the case into a broader discussion over whether Line 5 is good for Michigan.