The bills would shift permitting authority over large wind and solar projects from local governments to the state. They have support from environmentalists, and opposition from local government advocates.
Michigan climate change
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan steps up dam removal in race against climate change
As climate change threatens to warm Michigan rivers, dam removal can drive temperatures down by several degrees overnight. An influx of state and federal money has boosted removal efforts, but advocates say more is needed.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Proposed state oversight of solar, wind pits energy needs v. rural rights
Democratic bill sponsors say local fights over renewable energy threaten Michigan’s ability to meet climate goals and deliver reliable power. But Republican lawmakers say they fear rural communities will be railroaded by the green energy transition.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
With tensions rising, Michigan Democrats unveil clean energy reforms
A bill package introduced Tuesday would give the state control over the permitting of large wind and solar projects. Controversy is brewing as Democrats negotiate other parts of their clean energy package behind closed doors.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Climate change threatens fish in Michigan’s Great Lakes. Watch video
Global warming is the latest in a string of challenges to face the lakes in their young (geologically speaking) lives. More than 150 native fish species are at risk.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
In warming Great Lakes, climate triage means some cold waters won’t be saved
Government officials begin the grim task of prioritizing which cold lakes and rivers to sacrifice — or save — as the climate changes. Not all cold-water loving fish may survive in the northern Great Lakes region.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
First came the floods. Then, the toxic mold. Get used to it with climate change
The majority of Detroit homes that flood face an equally insidious threat in the aftermath: black mold.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Climate change is harming Michigan hunting and fishing, groups warn lawmakers
Michigan’s wild places — and the fish and wildlife that call them home — are under threat as warmer temperatures cause species to migrate northward and rivers to overheat. Advocates called for more resources to protect Michigan’s fish and game from those changes.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Michigan’s system to approve green energy projects is broken
Michigan can’t foist the energy transition on rural communities without their consent, but instead should build bridges that demonstrate we are all in this together.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
How fast should Michigan ditch fossil fuels? Lawmakers debate 2040 deadline
As Michigan Democrats push energy bills setting ambitious deadlines for utilities to go ‘carbon neutral,’ they face pressure from all sides. Environmentalists want more, while business groups say the measures move too quickly.