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.

🗑️ MI methane: Michigan leads the nation in toxic methane emissions from landfills, equivalent to 11 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, and has the highest per capita waste rate. Experts warn that methane emissions are spiraling out of control, with the EPA investigating underreported emissions and considering tougher standards under new clean energy legislation. (Metro Times)

🚰 Lead in Redford: Redford Township officials issued a public advisory on July 31 after lead levels in the water supply were found to exceed the state’s Action Level of 15 parts per billion, with tests showing 16 parts per billion in the 90th percentile. Residents are advised to use lead-reducing water filters, especially households with children under 18 and pregnant individuals. They can find more information on the township’s and Wayne County Health Department’s websites. Learn more about drinking water lead regulations and look up lead levels in your community here. (WDIV)

🚰 New water payment plan: Detroit announced the EasyPay plan to help residents, businesses, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations with past-due water, sewer, and drainage bills, replacing the 10/30/50 Plan which had a high failure rate. EasyPay, costing $10 to enroll and spreading the remaining balance over 36 months, aims to protect enrollees from shutoffs and collections as long as they stay current on their bills. Meanwhile, Great Lakes cities can still shut off water for unpaid bills in summer. (Detroit News, Great Lakes Now)

🏭 Air permit approved: The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) approved an air permit for Carmeuse Lime and Stone with changes based on public input, including new sulfur content limits and monitoring requirements. The approval followed a public comment period that included an informational session and hearing, with details and responses to public comments available on the Michigan Air Quality Public Notice webpage. (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy)

💰 Prevailing wage for climate jobs: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation expanding the state’s prevailing wage law to include construction for solar, wind, and energy storage projects, ensuring workers receive union-level pay and benefits. Senate Bill 571, introduced by Sen. John Cherry, aims to support the state’s transition to clean energy and mandates contractors to register and submit payroll information, despite opposition citing increased project costs and burdens on nonunion labor. (Detroit Free Press)

⚖️ Chevron + the Great Lakes: What overturning Chevron means for the Great Lakes The United States Supreme Court overturned the 1984 “Chevron deference” precedent, which previously allowed federal agencies to interpret unclear laws, by ruling in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and Relentless, Inc. v. Department of Commerce that judges should have the final say on such matters. This decision could lead to increased litigation over environmental regulations, potentially impacting the Great Lakes by relaxing pollutant discharge permits and challenging EPA regulations on greenhouse gases and PFAS. (Great Lakes Now)

☣️Smoky disaster: Attorney General Dana Nessel, along with 13 other state attorneys general, petitioned FEMA to recognize extreme heat and wildfire smoke as major disasters, which would allow federal aid to be deployed to affected areas. Nessel emphasized the growing public health and financial risks due to climate change, highlighting the need for federal assistance to mitigate these impacts. (Michigan Advance)

💸 Coal is a loss leader: The Natural Resources Defense Council reported that many utilities, including Michigan’s largest, have been operating coal-burning plants at a loss, costing customers money and increasing pollution. The report found that DTE Energy and Consumers Energy’s coal plants lost nearly $20 million from 2021 to 2023 compared to market rates, with recommendations for utility regulators to limit billing customers for uneconomic coal-generated electricity. (Michigan Public)

🚘 Losing its luster: Automakers, including Jeep and Stellantis, are moving away from chrome finishes due to shifting consumer preferences and environmental concerns, opting for alternative materials like glossy black and painted accents. The traditional chrome-plating process, which uses toxic hexavalent chromium, poses significant environmental and health risks, prompting the industry to explore more sustainable and safer options. (Detroit News)

🚨Emergency powers: Michigan environmental regulators now have the authority to issue written emergency response orders for ecological crises, following the signing of Senate Bill 398 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. This new law, prompted by the 2019 Morrow Dam sediment release crisis, empowers EGLE to swiftly compel emergency cleanups to protect public health and natural resources. (MLive)

☀️ Sunny in space: Michigan-based startup Virtus Solis Technologies aims to deploy modular solar satellites in space to provide 24/7 clean energy by beaming it back to Earth, addressing the limitations of current renewable energy sources. While this space-based solar power approach could significantly mitigate the climate crisis, it faces skepticism over development costs and efficiency, though advances in technology and reduced launch costs make it a promising endeavor for future energy solutions. (MLive)