Big money is coming into Michigan, other states, but an expert says ‘the elephant in the room is: where are the workers going to come from?’
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
Dozens of violations, just $2,000 in fines for Detroit hazardous waste site
State has long struggle reining in hazardous waste site in Detroit neighborhood.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan bald eagles soar back from near-extinction
In 1961, Michigan’s bald eagle population dipped to 52 breeding pairs. Bans on DDT and other harmful chemicals fed a recovery. But the national bird still faces threats from lead bullets and sprawling development.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan air quality unhealthy again Monday because of Canadian wildfires
Smoke blowing from Canadian wildfires hits Michigan again prompting an air quality alert. Haze from hundreds of fires has remained an issue much of the summer.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Unlikely bond between luxury cruise line, Great Lakes climate scientists
Viking wanted a piece of the growing Great Lakes cruise industry. Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration saw a chance to deepen research into climate change. A marriage was born.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Harmful algal blooms appearing on Lake Erie earlier than usual
NOAA satellite images and a research vessel sampling Lake Erie water both found evidence of harmful algal blooms on July 5, a much earlier date than typical.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Nearly $1.2 billion spent at one site to deter invasive carp from Great Lakes; other entry sites still possible
Nearly $1.2 billion is to be spent at one site to prevent invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes. There are a dozen more places where the carp could get in.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Great Lakes drownings on rise. Here’s how to protect yourself at the beach
As water temperatures rise, Michiganders flock to the beach. Even without sharks the Great Lakes can be dangerous.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan removes derogatory Native slur from Oxford Township boat launch
The state DNR is renaming a boat launch in Oakland County from “Squaw Lake” to “Paint Lake,” as part of a state and national effort to erase the name from more than 600 sites, including 32 in Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan health officials find potentially deadly EEE virus in mosquitoes
A sample of mosquitoes in Bay County were infected with Eastern equine encephalitis virus, a dangerous virus that can be transmitted to people and animals. Officials warn residents to take precautions when outdoors.