The House made major changes to lessen the impact of a bill that would have previously lifted environmental protections on at least 550,000 acres of wetlands and 4,200 lakes.
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 DEQ staffers to Gov. Snyder: Veto bill to weaken cleanup standards
The legislation would “threaten the health and safety of the people of Michigan” and put the agency in an “untenable position” 82 employees told Snyder in a rare public plea.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan House moves to overhaul standards for toxic cleanups
Industry groups cheer move to require state regulators to use federal standards to determine if sites are safe. Critics say those are looser and the measure would make cleanups less protective.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan House panel votes to gut ‘radical’ wetlands protections
‘If we don’t do something, we can kiss personal property rights goodbye,’ says sponsor of measure that would remove protections on at least 550,000 acres of wetlands. Critics disagree.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan GOP in no hurry to fulfill Rick Snyder’s environmental wish list
The outgoing governor wants to raise taxes and fees for environmental cleanups. His Republican colleagues aren’t biting.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signs Line 5 tunnel bill; appoints authority members
The Republican signed legislation to create a Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority to oversee a proposed tunnel surrounding the controversial pipeline.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Bill to make it tougher to pass regulations in Michigan heads to Snyder
Republicans say legislation provides uniformity for businesses; Democrats say it would make it harder to respond to threats such as PFAS.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan, Great Lakes at risk for oil spills beyond Line 5, report says
As Michigan lawmakers race to create a deal to protect Line 5, a new report flags 15 areas across the Great Lakes where habitats are vulnerable to oil spills.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan lawmakers send Line 5 tunnel plan to Gov. Snyder’s desk
The House and Senate quickly approved a bill Tuesday to help Gov. Snyder lock-in a plan to swap out twin pipelines beneath the Straits of Mackinac and protect them in a bedrock tunnel. Critics decry a rush before a Democrat becomes governor.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Republicans: Michigan shouldn’t regulate more strictly than Washington
Supporters call House Bill 4205 a transparency measure that’s good for business. Critics worry it would remove tools to tackle problems such as PFAS contamination.