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.
DTE’s $100K ‘gift’ to House Speaker Tate sparks outage outrage
As Michigan lawmakers fumbled power outage fixes, a DTE-linked nonprofit quietly handed $100,000 to a dark-money fund tied to House Speaker Joe Tate, fueling criticism of corporate influence. The “Putting People First Energy Package,” meant to hold utilities accountable, stalled under Tate’s watch while DTE faced anger over prolonged outages. Critics are calling the donation “legal bribery,” highlighting Lansing’s growing reputation for secret money politics. Read more at The Detroit News
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New settlement agreement aims to put spotlight on DTE-linked dark money
A first-of-its-kind provision included in a DTE Energy regulatory case could shine a light on some of the company’s contributions to dark money nonprofits belonging to state politicians or political entities.
Troubled Washtenaw landfill wants a bigger trash pile
Arbor Hills Landfill, notorious for odor complaints and environmental violations, is proposing a controversial expansion in Washtenaw County. The move has sparked opposition from neighbors in Northville Township, who already endure “stink, seagulls, and truck traffic.” With the facility cited repeatedly for pollution and nuisance issues, critics see the plan as a bad smell they can’t escape.Read more at The Detroit News
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Landfills bake the planet even more than we realized
A landfill is a place of perpetual motion, where mountains of garbage rise in days and crews race to contain the influx of ever more trash. Amid the commotion, an invisible gas often escapes unnoticed, warming the planet and harming our health: methane.
Ann Arbor’s Bryant neighborhood goes green with $3.1M boost
A $3.1 million grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission is powering Ann Arbor’s push to make its Bryant neighborhood the nation’s first carbon-neutral existing community. The project focuses on renewable energy, electrifying homes, and health upgrades for 50 low-income households. With past grants funding solar systems and a planned geothermal heating network, the city’s A2Zero goal to hit carbon neutrality by 2030 is getting a serious jolt.Read more on MLive
From soup kitchens to solar-powered resilience hubs
Detroit’s food pantries and soup kitchens are leveling up with $20 million in federal funds to become “climate resilience hubs.” These revamped facilities will feature solar panels, energy-efficient upgrades, and even EV charging stations to keep the lights on and meals served during power outages. EcoWorks, alongside Solar Faithful and Michigan Interfaith Power & Light, is leading this effort, aiming to shelter and empower communities hit hardest by climate challenges. Read more at The Detroit News
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Coalition unveils initiative to build a network of community resilience hubs on Detroit’s east side
The initiative has received funding commitments totaling $2.7 million from local philanthropic organizations.
UP copper mine gets green light
A $50 million state grant for Highland Copper’s Copperwood Mine in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula just cleared another hurdle, with the House Appropriations Committee backing the controversial project. The proposed mine near Lake Superior promises $120 million in state tax revenue but faces fierce opposition over potential environmental damage, including mine waste threatening nearby pristine waters. Supporters argue it’s a shot in the arm for the struggling rural economy, while critics say it’s a risky bet on a region still grappling with the scars of past mining disasters. Read more at Interlochen Public Radio
Michigan’s ‘30 by 30’ conservation push: Saving nature or just talk?”
A Democratic-led bill aims to conserve 30% of Michigan’s land and water by 2030, following international biodiversity goals. While the Department of Natural Resources supports the move, critics argue it lacks teeth, as the current version simply directs the DNR to “work toward” the target without firm mandates. Environmental groups call it a legacy-making step, but skeptics, like the Mackinac Center, see potential government overreach. Read more on MLive
Ann Arbor’s solar power play: Bye-Bye DTE?
Ann Arbor is launching a community-owned “sustainable energy utility” to deliver cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable solar power to residents fed up with DTE Energy’s outages and rate hikes. Voters overwhelmingly backed the plan to let residents opt into city-owned rooftop solar panels without the hefty upfront cost. While ambitious, officials say it’s just step one; future plans include solar microgrids and possibly ditching DTE entirely—if they can wrestle its infrastructure away. Read more on Bridge Michigan
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Ann Arbor voters to decide on sustainable energy utility
Ann Arbor residents will vote in November on a proposal to create an energy utility that would expand rooftop solar, battery storage, and other technologies to cut greenhouse gas emissions and boost reliability.
