DTE Electric Co., the state’s largest power provider, said it hopes other utilities will pursue similar goals to slow the earth’s warming from greenhouse gases. The plan drew praise and some skepticism
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
Memo to Ted Nugent: Not all hunters hate Michigan’s deer bait ban
A ban on deer baiting is prompting fears of a plunge in hunting (and objections from the Motor City Madman) but conservation groups say the move is necessary to stop chronic wasting disease from decimating the herd.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Talk about Pure Michigan: Outdoor pursuits generate $10B, report says
A new federal report for the first time puts a dollar figure on the boating, RVing, hiking and skiing that Michigan loves. The amount is less than industry groups have touted, offering an opportunity for growth.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Algae is again fouling Lake Erie. Thanks a lot, Ohio.
As water quality fears rise, many Michigan farmers are doing their part to stem the flow of algae-producing nutrients, widespread measures that Ohio can only dream of.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Higgins Lake’s crystal waters are under threat. Blame poop (and other stuff)
It’s not just Higgins Lake. Leaky septic systems and fertilizers are leading to a growth of algae in northern Michigan’s clear water lakes and could require big-time investments to fix.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Audit: Michigan Office of the Great Lakes didn't keep track of money
The government agency is supposed to restore wetlands, but hasn’t updated action plans for years and failed to keep tabs on grants, an audit finds.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Rising waters of Lake Michigan assault Grand Traverse coast. In photos.
Vanishing beaches. Swamped piers. Snapped concrete. Near-record high waters battered the scenic peninsula from Traverse City to Leland.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Battle looms over laws to slow spread of invasive species in Great Lakes
Ballast water regulations have limited the introduction of new species in the Great Lakes, but new research shows they may be spread by domestic freighters. The shipping industry claims new rules would cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan environment roundup: State says Flint is violating Safe Drinking Water Act
The latest can’t-miss journalism about natural resources in Michigan and the Great Lakes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Opinion | Wind turbines helping fund schools? It’s happening in Michigan
An unexpected funding source – revenue from wind turbines – is helping some Michigan schools stay afloat.