The latest can’t-miss journalism about Michigan’s natural resources.
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
Gretchen Whitmer remakes Michigan DEQ again, but leaves oversight panels intact
Fresh off an override by Republicans, the Democratic governor issued an executive order Wednesday to reshuffle the DEQ. Oversight panels will remain, pending a legal review.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Consumers Energy chief: We’re making changes after natural gas crisis
Consumers Energy will be less reliant on a single facility that can pump up to 64 percent of its gas, its CEO tells lawmakers Wednesday. A fire at the facility last month sparked a crisis that almost led to shutoffs.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Here's how your ideas could help save Lake Superior's Buffalo Reef
Michigan officials are mulling how to thwart millions of tons of mining waste threatening to smother Buffalo Reef, a vital spawning ground for lake trout and whitefish. Here’s your chance to offer feedback.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan environment roundup: 13 water systems fail federal lead test.
The latest can’t-miss journalism about Michigan’s natural resources.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
After Republican lawmakers killed Gretchen Whitmer’s environmental shakeup, what’s next?
The ball’s now in Whitmer’s court amid a power struggle over environmental oversight.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Few love Michigan’s DEQ. But are oversight panels worth Whitmer-GOP showdown?
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is locked in a showdown with Republicans over her plan to kill oversight panels. Both sides agree citizens should have a say in regulations, but have disagreed for years about how to do so.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan environment roundup: Ice fishing under threat in Michigan
The latest can’t-miss journalism about Michigan’s natural resources.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan Senate debates reversing Gov. Whitmer’s environmental overhaul
The conversation follows a House vote to block Whitmer’s executive order to transform the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. It’s the latest in a power struggle that may derail bipartisanship.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan Republicans move to block Gov. Whitmer’s environmental overhaul
One month after taking office and pledging to work with Republicans, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s plans to reorganize the state’s environment agency face a challenge from Republican lawmakers. They’re upset she plans to abolish oversight groups that give businesses a say in regulations.