State regulators first announced stricter pollution regulations for industrial-scale livestock farms back in 2020. But years of legal challenges from farming interests kept them from enforcing them until now.
Pollution in Michigan
While Michigan is known for its beautiful scenery, we look into the industrial pollution that once bolstered our economy but is now depleting our natural resources and poisoning our residents.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Toxic Michigan site ‘cautionary tale’ as Trump eyes environmental cleanup cuts
In St. Louis, taxpayers have spent millions of dollars and decades cleaning a chemical plant that new research has shown caused numerous health problems. Cuts to the Superfund program would hinder similar cleanups.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan House kills hundreds of bills. See what died on final day of Dem control
Government transparency, gun reforms, polluter pay proposals among more than 250 bills that died as the Michigan House abruptly adjourned for the year, ending Democratic control of the lower chamber.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan’s PFAS drinking-water limits hang in balance of Supreme Court case
Michigan was hailed as a national leader when it set PFAS drinking water limits in 2020. Now, chemical company 3M wants the limits voided.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Democrats have a few weeks to finish economic policies. Businesses are wary
Several proposals have not crossed the finish line in this session, including a $6 billion plan that could fund large-scale incentives for 10 years.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Bridge Michigan reporters honored by national environmental journalism group
A 2023 project about Michigan’s industrial legacy wins recognition from the Society of Environmental Journalists.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan still pumps oil. Taxpayers often stuck with tab to cap orphan wells
Michigan’s oil industry may not be front and center, but it remains active with over 9,300 wells across the state. However, there’s a growing environmental concern linked to the industry.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Report: Michigan's weak pollution cleanups are costing future generations
By refusing to clean up their mess, researchers found, polluters are pushing untold costs and risk onto the public. And Michigan law allows it.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan to spend $19M for ‘last piece’ to redevelop ex-GM plant in Lansing
State officials hope Lansing is ripe for new EV manufacturing investment. But more public money is needed to clean the site abandoned during GM’s bankruptcy.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | We can’t fix Lake Erie until we force farmers to stop polluting
Michigan pays farmers millions of dollars a year in hopes they will voluntarily reduce manure and fertilizer runoff. Farmers don’t need more education. They need laws that finally hold them accountable.