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.
☢️ Riverfront Conservancy fallout: Federal prosecutors have charged William Smith, the former CFO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, with embezzling nearly $40 million over a scheme that began in 2012, involving unauthorized charges on an American Express account and diversion of funds to his company. Smith, who surrendered and faces charges of bank and wire fraud, allegedly abused his position’s trust, marking one of Detroit’s largest recent fraud cases. Meanwhile, the Conservancy has established a litigation committee to investigate and pursue legal action against Smith and others involved in the alleged embezzlement. The committee, which includes executives from prominent organizations, aims to recover the misappropriated funds and examine why auditors failed to detect the financial irregularities, with the investigation now handed over to the FBI.(BridgeDetroit, Detroit News)
???? Paying for climate harm: Vermont has passed a pioneering law making it the first state to require oil companies to pay for climate change damages. The law mandates that fossil fuel companies contribute to a state fund aimed at addressing and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Meanwhile, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced last month plans to sue the fossil fuel industry for its role in contributing to climate change. This lawsuit aims to hold companies accountable for the environmental and economic damages experienced in Michigan, including severe weather events and agricultural impacts, and seeks compensation to address these issues. (Associated Press, Michigan Advance)
???? Time of use rates returneth: Michiganders can expect higher electric bills as summer rates for DTE and Consumers Energy take effect from Saturday until the end of September, with peak hour charges reaching about 22 cents per kilowatt-hour for DTE customers and 21 cents for Consumers customers. These “time of use” rates are designed to encourage reduced electricity consumption during peak hours, as mandated by the Michigan Public Service Commission. (Bridge Michigan)
????Beach closure season is here: Seven Michigan beaches have been closed due to high E. coli levels, which pose health risks to swimmers. Authorities have advised the public to avoid swimming at these locations until further notice to prevent potential illness from contaminated water. (Bridge Michigan)
????Consumers to charge more for wildfires: Consumers Energy has requested a $325 million rate increase, emphasizing that the funds are essential to enhance grid reliability, bury 35 miles of power lines to reduce storm vulnerability, and mitigate potential wildfire risks. If approved, this would result in an approximate $10 monthly increase for the average residential customer starting in 2024. (Michigan Public)
???? Great Lakes chemical soup: There is growing concern over the presence of drugs, microplastics, and “forever chemicals” in the Great Lakes. These pollutants pose significant risks to aquatic life and human health, prompting calls for more stringent regulations and increased efforts to address and mitigate their impact on this vital water source. (The Narwhal)
???? Short on EV charging stations: Michigan is set to invest $110 million in electric vehicle (EV) chargers to bolster the state’s EV infrastructure. While this investment aims to install around 134,000 chargers, experts warn it may fall short of the needed capacity to support the growing number of EVs. Currently, Michigan has installed only a fraction of the necessary chargers, underscoring the significant gap between the existing infrastructure and the state’s ambitious goals. (Bridge Michigan)
???? Steel smackdown: The EPA has announced new rules to reduce air pollution from steel factories in the U.S., targeting harmful emissions that contribute to health problems and environmental degradation. The regulations aim to cut down on pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are known to cause respiratory issues and acid rain. This move is part of a broader effort to enforce stricter environmental standards and protect public health. (Guardian)
????️ DTE’s new gas plant for EVs: DTE Energy has constructed a natural gas-fired power plant in Stanton, Tennessee, to support Ford Motor Co.’s new electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing campus, BlueOval City. This central utility plant will provide essential services like chilled water, hot water, cooling water, and steam to the site, which includes a vehicle assembly plant and a battery plant. The plant’s two small gas turbines will generate steam and a portion of the electricity needed, while the Tennessee Valley Authority will supply the majority of the power. This facility is part of Ford’s $11.4 billion investment in new EV and battery plants in Tennessee and Kentucky. (Detroit News)
????Smog monitors: Michigan will monitor smog levels in eight counties amid the switch to summer gasoline, which include Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. This monitoring aims to track and mitigate the formation of ground-level ozone, ensuring better air quality during the summer months. (Bridge Michigan)
???? Great Lakes audit: An audit of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has found a mix of successes and challenges in its implementation. While the program has made significant strides in cleaning up toxic hot spots and restoring habitats, it also faced issues with project management and accountability. These findings highlight the need for continued oversight and improvement to maximize the program’s effectiveness in protecting the Great Lakes. (Bridge Michigan)