Michigan struggles to keep up as costs mount to clean up sites. But Lansing lawmakers aren’t considering options to raise more money for long-term contamination sites, making them likely to cost millions annually for generations.
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
Feds give $31.7 million to convert ex-coal plant in Detroit to clean energy
The facility is planned for the former Detroit Edison site in Southwest Detroit’s Delray neighborhood, and promises 277 jobs.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Wolverine Worldwide faces tough times selling shoes. Then came more PFAS
The venerable, Rockford-based company famous for Hush Puppies faces plummeting stocks and sales. It’s already spent tens of millions of dollars settling suits for PFAS contamination. Then this year, more PFAS was discovered on its doorstop.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan Democrats unveil push for tougher polluter pay laws
The series of bills should increase business accountability and reduce cleanup costs paid by taxpayers, supporters say. But business groups are wary of them, saying they’re extreme and could push companies out of the state.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Did auto industry pollute your Michigan town? Find out with interactive map
From metro Detroit to the Upper Peninsula, automakers and suppliers have polluted dozens of Michigan communities and left taxpayers with the cleanup bill. See if your town is affected.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
See how auto companies left trail of pollution, toxins in Michigan
The auto industry profited in Michigan communities, moved on, and left behind contamination that still festers today. See how Michigan cities have been left holding the bag.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan ‘polluter pay’ bills coming, following Bridge auto industry probe
Bridge Michigan explored the public cost of allowing automakers to leave polluted plants behind while they seek state incentives to build new ones. The Michigan Legislature is now poised to introduce bills to hold industry more accountable.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Democrats seek new office to aid Michigan with green energy job losses
Increasing EV production and closing coal-fired power plants will impact the state’s workforce and communities. Legislation could create a new state office to aid both in the transition.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Bipartisan vibes as Michigan lawmakers seek to reform SOAR incentive fund
Michigan’s large-scale business incentives program has drawn growing criticism for awarding billions of dollars to automakers and other industries with little accountability and questions about the quality of jobs it brings in return.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan Democrats offer plan to remake economic development
As mega-subsidies through Michigan’s SOAR Fund lose luster with both parties, Democrats propose adding more corporate accountability, oversight and community benefits to incentive deals.