Michigan farmers, looking to expand crop insurance and research funding, are pushing to see their needs recognized as the federal Farm Bill moves along on the congressional agenda.
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 House passes climate change reform, mandating clean energy by 2040
A divided Michigan House passes legislation requiring utilities to draw 100 percent of their energy from clean sources by 2040. That’s a later timeline than environmentalists had sought — and foes say it will raise rates — but many say the reform is overdue.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan House votes to restrict local permitting of solar, wind farms
Passed along party lines, the legislation would end local governments’ authority to approve or deny projects. Proponents say the change would end local controversies and jump-start clean energy. Foes say it’s anti-farm and heavy-handed.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
EPA promised to address environmental racism. Flint is still waiting
Residents have spent years trying and failing to get the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to enforce laws that could prevent communities of color from bearing the brunt of pollution. They had hope when President Joe Biden took office, but then nothing happened.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
No convictions for Flint: Attorney general ends water crisis prosecutions
A state prosecution team on Tuesday announced it’s given up on the effort to criminally charge public officials for the Flint water crisis. One unsurprised community leader called it “the norm” for a city repeatedly failed by the state.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan Senate approves 2040 deadline for carbon-neutral energy
Long overdue or an overreach that will increase rates? Democrats and Republicans divided on plan to require 100 percent clean energy and increase renewable energy sources in the next decade.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan Democrats unveil push for tougher polluter pay laws
The series of bills should increase business accountability and reduce cleanup costs paid by taxpayers, supporters say. But business groups are wary of them, saying they’re extreme and could push companies out of the state.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Did auto industry pollute your Michigan town? Find out with interactive map
From metro Detroit to the Upper Peninsula, automakers and suppliers have polluted dozens of Michigan communities and left taxpayers with the cleanup bill. See if your town is affected.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
See how auto companies left trail of pollution, toxins in Michigan
The auto industry profited in Michigan communities, moved on, and left behind contamination that still festers today. See how Michigan cities have been left holding the bag.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan ‘polluter pay’ bills coming, following Bridge auto industry probe
Bridge Michigan explored the public cost of allowing automakers to leave polluted plants behind while they seek state incentives to build new ones. The Michigan Legislature is now poised to introduce bills to hold industry more accountable.