In a letter to the Canadian oil company, state officials said Enbridge must fix omissions in its application to build the Line 5 tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac before they can review the application.
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
Enbridge moves forward with Line 5 tunnel despite coronavirus lockdown
The energy giant has submitted a flurry of permit applications in its bid to replace the aging Line 5 oil and gas pipeline, sparking concerns from opponents who argue regulators should delay decisions until the coronavirus emergency ends.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan safety regulators launch probe of TB outbreak at state DNR lab
MiOSHA inspectors are reviewing whether faulty masks or other safety hazards were present at the wildlife lab, where five workers contracted bovine tuberculosis. The review was spurred by Bridge reporting on the outbreak.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Coronavirus shutdown not yet helping air in Michigan’s most toxic ZIP code
In heavily industrialized southwest Detroit, the governor’s stay-at-home order has not yet meant measurable improvement in air quality.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Five Michigan DNR workers contracted tuberculosis, likely from testing deer
Deer-to-human transmission of TB is an exceedingly rare, Michigan-centric phenomenon. Department of Natural Resources officials said they saw no reason to publicly announce the cases.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
As Michigan battle rages on Line 5, Enbridge quietly buys land for tunnel
Enbridge Energy is spending millions for residential properties near Mackinaw City, apparently confident of winning lawsuits contesting a planned tunnel. Local residents say they welcome the revenue for schools and roads.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan adopts new PFAS standards over industry, farmer objections
Environmentalists cheer as Michigan approves limits for the forever chemicals that are much stricter than federal advisory levels. But some question whether there was a rush to make the rules.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michiganders accept climate change but say others more likely to suffer
Yale polling data find most Michigan residents believe in climate change, are worried about it, and think it’ll harm people in the United States. But they also believe they won’t be impacted personally.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Rockford residents skeptical of Michigan PFAS deal with Wolverine World Wide
A proposed $69.5 million settlement with the state raised questions among residents over the company’s future obligations to monitor health and listen to public concerns.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Wary of water safety, Michigan residents want stronger regulation
Polling by The Center for Michigan of more than 3,100 residents shows broad support for increased regulations to protect waterways and heightened anxieties about their safety.