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.
🚰 Water politics: Voters will decide on August 6 who will compete for Oakland County water resources commissioner, with incumbent Jim Nash facing challenger Jim Stevens in the Democratic primary. Nash focuses on climate-change resilience and affordability, while Stevens, who switched from the Republican to the Democratic party, emphasizes environmental issues and aims to improve septic field maintenance and regulate underground fuel oil tanks. (Detroit News)
🌳Urban tree funding: Michigan will receive $33 million from the U.S. Forest Service for urban tree planting as part of a $1 billion national initiative, with Detroit receiving $3 million, Hamtramck $1 million, Pontiac $1 million, and Sterling Heights $500,000. Concerns have been raised about whether local communities will have a say in the planting decisions, with experts emphasizing the need for community engagement and proper maintenance to ensure the program’s success. (Bridge Michigan)
☀️Ban on solar bans: A new bill, the Homeowners’ Energy Policy Act, will prohibit homeowners associations (HOAs) from banning rooftop solar panels and other energy-saving improvements. Awaiting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s signature after passing along party lines, the bill has received praise for removing barriers to renewable energy, though opponents argue it undermines the authority of neighborhood associations. (Bridge Michigan)
🚍 Green buses for Detroit: Detroit will use $36 million in federal and state grants to purchase 25 new hybrid and hydrogen-powered buses, aiming to replace a quarter of its diesel fleet within three years. This funding, part of a broader effort to fight climate change and improve air quality, includes $30.8 million from the Federal Transit Administration and $5 million from the Michigan Department of Transportation. (Crain’s)
🔥Pushback on Warren climate initiative: Warren officials are considering a climate action proposal introduced by Councilman Henry Newnan, which calls for declaring a climate emergency, hiring a sustainability manager, and adopting a climate action plan. While some council members and residents support the initiative, others, like Councilman Jonathan Lafferty, express concerns about declaring a climate emergency without sufficient evidence. The proposal has been referred to the city’s environmental review committee for further evaluation. (Macomb Daily)
🗑️Landfills emit more methane they report: Methane leaks from Michigan landfills, significantly underestimated by landfill operators compared to EPA findings, pose a substantial environmental threat due to methane’s high potency as a greenhouse gas. Despite the availability of technology to address these leaks, outdated federal reporting standards hinder effective action; however, the EPA’s ongoing inspections and enforcement aim to mitigate these emissions. (WDIV)
⚖️ Michigan legislature docket: When the Michigan Legislature reconvenes on July 30, key bills on the agenda include economic development funding reform and the “polluter pay” bills, aimed at holding corporations accountable for environmental cleanups. Additionally, legislators may consider the maternal and infant health package to improve care for pregnant and postnatal patients and community solar legislation to allow local subscription-based solar energy projects. (Michigan Advance)
🔌 EV incentive pullback: Michigan economic development officials have reduced over $625 million in incentives for Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park due to the company’s decision to downsize the project, now planned for 500 acres and 1,700 jobs instead of the original 700 acres and 2,500 jobs. The Michigan Strategic Fund board unanimously approved the reduction, reflecting a 60% drop in state aid, while Ford continues to develop its electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility in Marshall. (Bridge Michigan)