Bridge readers identified the environment as a top 2026 election concern, with data centers, Great Lakes health and energy policy topping the list. We break down the issues, the facts and possible solutions.
Michigan climate change
Bridge Listens: What Michigan’s next governor plans for data centers, clean energy
From data centers to dams and climate change, Michigan gubernatorial candidates tell Bridge what they would do to protect the Great Lakes and wider environment.
In their words: Michigan governor candidates on key environmental issues
Michigan governor candidates tell Bridge Michigan how they’d address Great Lakes threats, data centers, aging dams, energy generation, climate change and more.
Michigan restricts buckthorn, other plants as landscapers cry foul
Advocates celebrated Tuesday after Michigan officials voted to ban or restrict six invasive plant species. Advocates said the decision helps the state catch up with neighboring Great Lakes states that already regulate many of the plants.
Bridge Listens Issues Watch continues with virtual discussion on the environment
Join Bridge reporters on May 27 as they discuss the issues impacting Michigan’s environment and where candidates stand on everything from data centers to invasive species to climate change.
House votes to nix Michigan’s 100% clean energy goal, but it’s DOA in Senate
House Republican leaders argued the law prioritizes clean energy at the expense of affordability. Senate Democratic leaders said the repeal has ‘no chance’ of advancing in their chamber.
As floodwaters rise, Michigan infrastructure on brink: Dams need $1B in repairs
Climate change and delayed improvements to the state’s infrastructure could come to roost, as rivers threaten to overtop century-old dams.
In US first, Ann Arbor makes its own green power company
With utilities’ transition to green energy moving too slowly for them, Ann Arbor officials decided to launch a power company of their own.
Trump administration plans closure of 4 Michigan forestry research centers
The closures are part of a broader consolidation and reorganization that will move the US Forest Service headquarters from the nation’s capital to Salt Lake City.
Michigan neighbors rally for rooftop solar as federal support shrinks
Grassroots “Solarize” programs are helping Michigan neighbors buy rooftop solar together, even as federal support shrinks.