Michigan has already committed nearly $14 million of the federal funds to support projects from Escanaba to Detroit. State officials left the door open to a potential lawsuit.
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
‘Dog day’ cicadas — and their loud buzz — are back in Michigan
Annual cicadas returning to Michigan are known for their loud buzzing but are considered harmless to people, pets, and plants.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Smoky summers are Michigan’s new norm, experts say
Climate change is causing longer and more severe wildfire seasons in the western US and Canada, which means Michigan will continue to be vulnerable whenever summer winds blow in an unfortunate direction.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan regulators to hear arguments on restricting factory farm pollution
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is holding a public hearing to discuss a contested permit that regulates manure runoff.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Holland ‘community carbon fund’ promises hyper-local carbon reduction
Recent investigations into carbon offset programs have revealed inflated carbon reduction promises and unsustainable growing practices. Two west Michigan groups are giving residents an alternative.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Great Lakes mussel research starved of funds as whitefish vanish
Quagga mussels deplete food and nutrients from waters, threatening to drive whitefish extinct. But scientists looking for a solution are working on a shoestring budgets, as much more money is devoted to other invasive species.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Can Michigan save beloved whitefish? Fate hinges on uphill bid to kill mussels
Decades into the mussel invasion, whitefish are on brink of collapse. Scientists are working on a Hail Mary bid to save the fish, using tarps, paint scrapers and a 1,200-pound steel plate.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan weather radar blindspots meant no warning for Deckerville tornado
Deckerville residents received no warning before a tornado touched down on Saturday. That’s because blindspots in Michigan’s weather radar network prevented meteorologists from seeing it form.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Dead deer and small fish: Michigan students learn to investigate poaching
For students aiming to become Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers, one program at Northern Michigan University gives them the science and hands-on experience needed to pass the test.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan home energy efficiency standards stalled amid homebuilders lawsuit
Michigan homebuilders and mobile home makers are suing the state over its proposed energy efficiency code that builders say would be in “direct conflict” with addressing the state’s housing shortage. Others argue energy codes play only a small role in hampering new developments.