Amid shifting economics and concerns about climate change, Michigan’s biggest energy utility vows to slash carbon dioxide emissions 90 percent by 2040 — without building any new natural gas plants.
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
As the earth warms, Midwest searches to cut greenhouse gas
From farmers cutting manure to changes in the transportation industry, folks are looking for changes large and small as the climate changes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan environment roundup: Great Lakes water levels could break records
The latest can’t-miss journalism about Michigan’s natural resources.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Watch a video of anchor damage to Line 5 in Straits of Mackinac
As Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer nears decision on a tunnel to protect the pipeline, a video is released of mishap that environmentalists claim shows “Great Lakes dodged a bullet.”
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Nestlé to allow feds to monitor water withdrawals in central Michigan
Nestlé said the U.S. Geological Survey will independently monitor conditions near an Osceola County well where Michigan regulators allow pumping of up to 400 gallons a minute for an Ice Mountain bottling plant.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Electric car fees in Michigan would soar under Whitmer’s roads plan
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposal to boost gas taxes by 45 cents would also make Michigan’s electric vehicle fees the highest in the nation. Critics say that comes atop other state policies that have discouraged sales of cleaner cars.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
DTE chief: We’re cutting carbon because it’s ‘defining issue of our era’
The energy company is accelerating its goal of cutting emissions by 80 percent. CEO Gerry Anderson says the company is ramping up solar and wind energy.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Cutting energy costs can be expensive. Michigan’s green bank can help.
A nonprofit known as Michigan Saves helps with financing and other efforts to cut sometimes exorbitant costs of becoming energy efficient.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan mulls lifting barrier to solar energy on farmland
A task force is considering whether farmers enrolled in a preservation program should be allowed to add solar panels.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan environment roundup: Minnesota has Isle Royale envy
The latest can’t-miss journalism about Michigan’s natural resources.