Residents must transport their departed loved ones out of state to undergo the ‘natural organic reduction process,’ which transforms the human body into soil. Only 12 states allow the practice.
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
Where and how to recycle your Christmas tree in Michigan
While you can’t pack up a real Christmas tree along with the decorations now that Christmas is over, you can recycle it in a number of ways.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan's total deer harvest is down, but hunters shot more bucks in '24
Hunters have harvested more bucks this year in Michigan than they did in 2023, though the total number of deer killed in the state has fallen.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
$90M data center tax break plan headed to Gov. Whitmer after final passage
The legislation poises Michigan to exempt massive “enterprise” data centers from sales and use taxes on their equipment, saving the industry an estimated $90 million through 2065.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Ann Arbor hopes to bring rooftop solar to the masses by creating a utility
Amid climate concerns and frustrations with DTE Energy’s high outage rate, the city is planning a ‘sustainable energy utility’ that backers tout as a cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable option.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Controversial copper mine subsidy among $300M approved by Michigan lawmakers
The $50 million grant to the proposed UP mine drew angry shouts from opponents. Lawmakers also authorized money for an Ypsilanti supercomputing center, a Redford Township diesel engine maker, and Dow Chemical.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan eyes hunting, fishing, boating fee increases, change to park fees
Democrats want to raise some fees by 50% or more and switch to an ‘opt-out’ model for recreation passports. The state says costs haven’t kept up with inflation.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Move over, coal-mine canaries: Michigan study says robins can predict soil lead
A new study in the journal “Urban Ecosystems” found that high blood lead levels in robins can accurately predict where soil is contaminated.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Inside the fight to keep invasive grass carp out of the Great Lakes
The US and Canada are working together to stop a massive fish from gobbling up Great Lakes greenery.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan’s controversial wind, solar energy law is in effect. What to know
The law aims to counter local pushback that is slowing efforts to replace fossil fuel power with green energy. But it faces challenges. Here’s what to know.