Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a hard hat and green vest tours water treatment plant for story on 10 year Flint water anniversary
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer toured ongoing upgrades at a Delta Township water treatment plant on before announcing plans to use $290 million in bonding authority to address Michigan’s water infrastructure challenges. (Courtesy photo)

Here’s a weekly behind-the-scenes glimpse at some of the stories we’re following. Have a reading recommendation? Let us know at nina@planetdetroit.org. 

✏️ A 10 year Flint water anniversary: As Michigan nears the tenth anniversary of the Flint water crisis, it is set to receive a $290 million boost from a 2002 voter-approved bond to update its aging water infrastructure. However, despite this significant allocation for projects like lead pipe replacements and sewer system upgrades, the funds fall short of meeting the state’s extensive needs. Whitmer and other officials acknowledge that while this funding is a step forward, it represents just a fraction of the estimated billions required to fully address the deferred maintenance and modernize Michigan’s water systems statewide. (Bridge Michigan)

???? ‘Polluter pay?: In the wake of significant pollution incidents in Metro Detroit, environmental advocates and local politicians are pushing for state ‘polluter pay’ laws, arguing that the lack of stringent regulations has allowed polluting industries to evade financial responsibility, influenced by political spending. The legislation has yet to move. Meanwhile, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson highlighted the pervasive influence of secret donors on legislative processes in Lansing, pointing out that lax ethics standards allow these undisclosed contributors to sway policy decisions. (Detroit News)

☀️‘Solar for All’, roofs needed first: Michigan will receive over $156 million in federal funds aimed at expanding residential solar programs in low-income areas. This funding, provided by the EPA, is part of a national initiative to combat climate change and reduce energy expenses for underserved communities. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will manage the program, which will include necessary upgrades to housing infrastructure, such as roof repairs, to ensure homes are suitable for solar panel installation. The approach is designed to make renewable energy accessible while also addressing the physical condition of homes. (Detroit News)

????Dems ignoring landfill fees, EV rebates: Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed $80.7 billion budget for Michigan includes major initiatives like free preschool and community college, electric vehicle purchase incentives, and an environmental cleanup funded by a landfill tax hike. However, key elements of her proposal, such as the landfill fee increase and vehicle rebate program, have been excluded in the legislative process, with lawmakers citing budget constraints and prioritizing other spending. (Bridge Michigan)

????Marathon looks to boost pollution: Michigan is currently soliciting public feedback on a proposed permit that would allow Marathon Petroleum to increase crude throughput at its Detroit refinery by removing monthly and annual limits, despite environmental concerns due to the potential increase in pollution. The proposal, which faces opposition from local environmental groups, includes measures like upgrading process heaters to reduce emissions, although the refinery has previously violated air quality regulations. (Reuters)

????️DTE gas expansion: A new DTE Energy-led natural gas project in northern Michigan is facing mixed reactions as it aims to provide a cheaper heating alternative in the Mesick and Buckley areas, traditionally reliant on propane or wood stoves. Despite the economic benefits and DTE’s plan to reduce its reliance on coal by transitioning to natural gas, environmental groups criticize the investment due to the broader climate impacts of methane, a major component of natural gas, arguing that such projects contradict efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependency amidst a climate crisis. (Interlochen Public Radio)

✏️Metro Detroit rivers not making the grade: A new ecosystem report card evaluates Southeast Michigan’s rivers and watersheds, highlighting ongoing struggles with flooding and water contamination. The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science gave grades ranging from D+ to C+, with issues such as bacterial contamination from sewer overflows and the impact of agricultural runoff on water quality being particularly problematic, despite past pollution reductions and increased regulations. Learn more about efforts to remediate watershed struggles at Planet Detroit’s free webinar with Huron River Watershed and Friends of the Rouge on May 3. (Freep)

Nina Misuraca Ignaczak is an award-winning Metro Detroit-based editor, journalist, and documentary filmmaker. She is the founder, publisher, and editor of Planet Detroit, a digital media startup focused on producing quality climate, equity, health, and environment journalism that centers grassroots voices, holds power accountable, and spotlights solutions. Planet Detroit has received awards and recognition from the Society for Professional Journalists Detroit, the Institute for Nonprofit News, and LION Publishers since its establishment in 2019. Prior to her journalism career, Nina worked in urban planning in local government and nonprofit sectors, holding a Master of Science in Natural Resource Ecology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.