Phosphorus pollution feeds cyanobacterial blooms in the western basin of Lake Erie. Ohio submitted a plan to reduce phosphorus runoff, but many believe it will fail.
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 Democrats push carbon-neutral energy goal back 5 years to 2040
Months after proposing a 2035 deadline for utilities to get all their energy from carbon-free sources, Democratic lawmakers say they’re moving the deadline to 2040 and making other changes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
It’s not too late: Nishimura comet will still be visible this week in Michigan
The Nishimura comet was the most visible Tuesday, but sky watchers will be able to see it all week long as it approaches the sun this weekend.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan company agrees to buy nuclear power from shuttered Palisades plant
A rural Michigan power cooperative has agreed to buy up to two-thirds of the plant’s power for roughly another 28 years. Other hurdles to a restart have yet to be cleared, including an application for a federal loan.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Stellantis to Detroit neighbors: Our air is safe, despite complaints
The company seeks to assure the public the air is safe, despite more than 100 complaints to the state.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Government watchdog: EPA slow to raise alarm in Benton Harbor water crisis
Government auditors say EPA officials failed to follow a new ‘elevation policy’ that’s meant to generate a stronger response to the most urgent environmental and public health threats.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Chicago suburbs, running out of water, will tap Lake Michigan
Communities in Michigan and elsewhere in the Midwest are taking steps to guard against groundwater depletion, including some surprising places near the Great Lakes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
It’s peak yellowjacket season in Michigan, and they’re as mean as ever
Yellowjackets are at their annoying, vicious peak in September. They won’t think twice about attacking to protect their colony.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan regulators seek penalties for repeat utility outages
Consumers Energy and DTE Energy could face penalties for frequent and long power outages. The Michigan Public Service Commission has grilled the two companies for months over customer complaints.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
What's being done about plastic trash getting into the Great Lakes?
As researchers learn more about the hazards of plastics and microplastics in the Great Lakes, it’s becoming clear Canada and the U.S. need to cooperate in stopping the pollution.