The latest can’t-miss journalism about natural resources in Michigan and the Great Lakes.
Michigan PFAS chemical threats
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Before debates, Gretchen Whitmer urges Democrats to protect Great Lakes
Joining fellow Democratic governors in Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, Michigan’s governor urges presidential hopefuls to protect the Great Lakes by backing proposals that would improve water quality and thwart invasive species.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
As PFAS fears spread, Michigan ramps up testing by zapping fish
‘Welcome to the rodeo’: Bridge Magazine gets first-hand look at Michigan regulators’ efforts to learn more about toxins in ‘forever chemicals’ by killing and testing fish.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
How toxic is PFAS? Exposed residents slow to aid research in Michigan
In Kent County, the state hopes blood tests of PFAS contaminated households could inform health decisions. But only half of eligible residents seem willing, casting into doubt Michigan’s role in a larger, federal study.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Amid PFAS nightmare, unlikely activists are born in Michigan
Once strangers who sought privacy and quiet, PFAS has forced unexpected alliances in northern Kent County. This week, one group took their stories to Boston, fueled by a love of community.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan lobbyist for polluter wrote law easing toxic cleanups, emails show
Emails uncovered by FOIA show a Lansing lobbyist for Wolverine Worldwide wrote a law to weaken pollution cleanup standards, months after negotiating a lawsuit settlement with a company accused of contaminating West Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan leads nation in PFAS. It will lead cleanups, too, U.S. reps say
A bipartisan group from Michigan’s congressional delegation vows to protect waterways in Michigan, push for PFAS standards and explore ways to keep Asian carp out of Lake Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan landfills are a small source for PFAS in waterways, study says
The Michigan Waste and Recycling Association found high levels of PFAS in landfills, illustrating the prevalence of the hazardous chemicals in what Michiganders throw away. But the authority suggests landfills are a small contributor to PFAS in wastewater releases.
Posted inMichigan Government
Republicans to Whitmer: Where’s the cash? Doubts on climate plan.
Republican leaders say they agree with the Democratic governor that roads need fixing, but aren’t ready to raise taxes or fees to do it. They also signaled opposition to raising the state’s college-going rate and Whitmer’s PFAS and climate change plans.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Gretchen Whitmer is smart to keep Michigan PFAS response team
The cross-department team addressing the dangers of PFAS contaminants was created by Whitmer’s Republican predecessor, Rick Snyder. Protecting our environment isn’t a partisan issue.