Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey defends process to build tunnel around oil pipeline and says Attorney General Dana Nessel ‘consistently tries … to upset what has been passed into law.’
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
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer halts action on Line 5 tunnel
Gretchen Whitmer’s move follows a legal opinion from fellow Democrat Attorney General Dana Nessel, who issued a legal opinion claiming the creation state authority to oversee the tunnel is unconstitutional.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Traverse City’s climate may resemble Philadelphia’s in 60 years, study says
The climates of Detroit, Flint, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Traverse City and Montreal in 60 years could be similar to the current climate of Chester, Pennsylvania, a new study says.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan environment roundup: Cherry farmers brace for killer bacteria
The latest can’t-miss journalism about Michigan’s natural resources.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
How a typo revived a Michigan fish feud over hungry Yoopers and science
A brouhaha over brook trout has bubbled up in Michigan, pitting older anglers against downstate ones and prompting questions about whether science or special interests sets policy.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan landfills are a small source for PFAS in waterways, study says
The Michigan Waste and Recycling Association found high levels of PFAS in landfills, illustrating the prevalence of the hazardous chemicals in what Michiganders throw away. But the authority suggests landfills are a small contributor to PFAS in wastewater releases.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan environment roundup: Glacier that formed Great Lakes is disappearing
The latest can’t-miss journalism about Michigan’s natural resources.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Judge upholds Line 5 tunnel authority as Dana Nessel’s review continues
The Michigan Court of Claims ruling won’t end of legal battles surrounding the legality of the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority, created to oversee a tunnel surrounding Enbridge Energy’s Line 5.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Less skiing, thinner ice, canceled fests. Michigan adapts to climate change
The last few weeks notwithstanding, winters are warming, changing Pure Michigan and forcing those who rely on snow and cold to get creative.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Warming temps mean many Michigan lakes won’t freeze in coming years
Climate change means that inland lakes in much of the Lower Peninsula may not regularly freeze during winter, endangering the ecosystem and a way of life.