Lawmakers in November gave the state power to override local-level rejections of large wind and solar projects. Opponents of that law will soon start collecting signatures in hopes of sponsoring a November ballot measure to repeal it.
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
After 18 years, Dems aim to restore Michigan pollution regulators' power
For nearly two decades, state law has forbidden environmental regulators from writing new water quality rules. Environmentalists contend that’s putting the public at risk. But business groups fear higher costs if Michigan reverses the ban.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Turtles return, 10 years after Kalamazoo River oil spill
Turtles made it their mission to find their way back after the 2010 Kalamazoo River oil spill. It just took them 10 years to do it.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan deer harvest numbers are down: How did your county do?
Preliminary 2023 numbers show a continued decline in the number of deer hunters killed compared to past years.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Lawsuit could complicate drone laws for Michigan hunters and anglers
The founder of a company that uses drones to recover deer carcasses that hunters cannot find says that Michigan’s prohibition of the practice violates his First Amendment rights. The suit questions one of the core principles of hunting and fishing in the United States, some experts say.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan lawmakers have more energy priorities in 2024
Michigan lawmakers made sweeping changes to Michigan energy laws last fall. But plenty of items missed the cut, from community solar to finding solutions for Michigan’s outage-prone power grid.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Twenty companies pledge to use all parts of Great Lakes fish by 2025
Fish-leather purses and wallets may make their way into Great Lakes fashion with an initiative to use 100 percent of commercially caught fish by 2025.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Supreme Court poop dispute could have big impact on Michigan environment
How far can Michigan go in its quest to limit farm pollution in Michigan’s lakes and rivers? That’s the subject of a case now before the state’s highest court.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Most of Michigan facing a new winter storm warning. Will schools close Friday?
This week Michigan got its first real winter storm of the season, causing snow days at some school districts for the first time this school year. A winter storm expected to hit Friday has superintendents watching the forecast.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan’s state park camping reservations are open and filling up quickly
Campsite reservations are 35 – 80 percent booked through July across Michigan’s state parks.