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.
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.
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.
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.
Michigan environment roundup: PFAS found in 119 Michigan water systems
The latest can’t-miss journalism about Michigan’s natural resources.
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.
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.
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.
Michigan environment roundup: 13 water systems fail federal lead test.
The latest can’t-miss journalism about Michigan’s natural resources.
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.