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.
Michigan Democrats end trifecta with cash for corporations, not constituents
Michigan Democrats’ first trifecta in 40 years is wrapping up with up to $10 billion in corporate subsidies—like $250M for GM’s Renaissance Center—while progressive priorities like housing and environmental reforms stall. Critics, including lawmakers and activists, accuse leadership of catering to corporate donors over voters. With Republicans set to take over the state House, frustration boils as many see a rare chance for change squandered. The American Prospect
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Michigan’s environmental groups demand urgent action in lame duck session
Michigan’s environmental groups push for action on longstanding issues like polluter pay legislation, a septic system code, and rolling back a 2006 law, as the incoming Trump administration is expected to be less favorable to Biden-era climate and energy programs.
Michigan legislators push for water affordability in lame duck
Michigan legislators and advocates push for a 2023 bill package to create a statewide water affordability fund, capping bills for low-income residents via a $2 surcharge on ratepayers’ bills, aiding over 370,000 households.
Michigan to EPA: Don’t blame us for Canadian wildfire smoke
The state wants to exclude nine smoky days from 2023 caused by Canadian wildfires from pollution reviews in Grand Rapids, citing an “exceptional event” they couldn’t control. Environmental groups argue the poor air quality data reflects real health impacts and shouldn’t be ignored, especially as the area barely meets updated federal standards. Critics see the move as shirking accountability for improving Michigan’s air quality amidst mounting pressure to address industrial and vehicle emissions. MLive
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Last year’s Canadian wildfire smoke may have killed more than 100 in Michigan alone
Detroiters suffer during wildfire smoke events. Here are some of their stories.
State regulators ask EPA to ignore Detroit air quality data, paving way to avoid ozone regulation
Ozone is a known cause and trigger of asthma. The asthma mortality rate in Detroit in 2017-2019 was about three times the rate for Michigan.
Signed up for auto pay? DWSD might still leave you high and dry
Some Detroit residents discovered unexpected delinquencies despite being on auto pay for their water bills. Billing glitches, system upgrades, and lack of notifications have caused balances to balloon without warning for up to 1-2% of DWSD’s 230,000 customers. Officials recommend monitoring bills and receipts closely—because Detroit won’t tell you if auto pay fails. Outlier Media
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New maps detail locations of lead in drinking water service lines across Metro Detroit
Water departments are notifying residents about potential lead in their water service lines, complying with state and federal drinking water regulations.
Renewable siting in effect (for now)
Michigan’s new law granting state regulators final say over large wind and solar projects is in effect, but local governments aren’t backing down. Critics argue the law erodes local control, while rural residents worry about changing landscapes—even in areas dotted with oil and gas wells. With lawsuits and ballot initiatives looming, the battle over “not in my backyard” energy policy is far from over. Michigan Public
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Michigan’s renewable energy siting law under legal fire
Local governments are challenging the Michigan Public Service Commission over a law that grants the state authority to approve large-scale renewable energy projects, arguing that the commission did not adhere to the proper process to implement the law.
Who’s behind a ballot initiative to repeal Michigan’s renewable energy siting laws?
Organizer tied to fossil fuel groups, but denies influence.
Michigan gears up to be a hydrogen hub for heavy trucks
Michigan is joining a Midwest push to build hydrogen infrastructure, with $22M in federal funds backing plans for hydrogen buses in Flint, a production facility in Ypsilanti, and a hydrogen truck stop in Detroit. Advocates say hydrogen can power long-haul trucks where electric batteries fall short, but critics question the fuel’s environmental impact depending on production methods. With federal support potentially reaching $1 billion, Michigan aims to lead the charge in clean trucking tech. Michigan Public
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$1 billion for Midwest hydrogen: Green energy or greenwashing?
The U.S. Department of Energy has allocated $22.2 million to the Midwest Hydrogen Hub, spearheaded by the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen, to generate clean hydrogen via wind power, natural gas, and nuclear energy. The initiative aims to decarbonize industries and create green jobs, but local environmentalists express concerns over the project’s reliance on fossil…
Trump allies target EPA, drinking water rules in early environmental rollback
As Trump prepares to retake office, Republican allies are moving to weaken the EPA’s scientific integrity policies and scale back strict PFAS drinking water limits. Critics warn this paves the way for attacks on EPA scientists and research, while industry-backed lawmakers claim the regulations rely on “bad science” and impose costly burdens. With public health at stake, the GOP’s environmental agenda faces mounting scrutiny. The Guardian
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Poll: Majority of Trump voters want to protect the EPA
Former EPA officials say Trump is likely to press forward with efforts to weaken the agency, while Michigan advocates say budget cuts could impact environmental justice programs in the state.
PFAS detected in Metro Detroit’s water supplies
A Planet Detroit analysis revealed detectable levels of PFAS contaminants in 59 areas across southeast Michigan.
Michigan’s vanishing wetlands could cost billions in flood damage
Losing wetlands protection could hit Michigan with $4.77 billion in annual flood damage, warns a new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists. Wetlands act as natural sponges, preventing floods, trapping carbon, and supporting biodiversity, but weakened federal protections leave them vulnerable to pollution and industrial agriculture. With climate change intensifying floods, experts call for stronger conservation efforts, including expanded farm bill programs to restore and protect these critical ecosystems. Michigan Advance
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Garbage giant Waste Management wins four-year fight to build landfill on ‘rare and imperiled’ Michigan wetland
A 44-acre natural area in Van Buren Township will soon be a landfill after state regulators granted a permit for wetland destruction.
Michigan lawmakers push carbon capture tech amid cautious optimism
Bipartisan Michigan legislation seeks to streamline state-level approvals for carbon capture projects, promising reduced emissions, improved air quality, and economic opportunities. While supporters, including labor and environmental groups, highlight Michigan’s unique geological capacity for safe CO2 storage, skeptics warn of risks like potential leaks affecting drinking water and the need for strict oversight to prevent environmental harm. Critics also question whether carbon capture is a long-term solution or a stopgap measure for industries reluctant to decarbonize. Michigan Advance
Oakland vs. Macomb: Treated sewage dispute divides counties
Macomb County accuses Oakland County of insufficiently treating stormwater and sewage before releasing it into shared waterways, alleging minimal standards and repeated violations. Oakland defends its practices as compliant with state permits, emphasizing costly infrastructure upgrades won’t significantly improve water quality. While Oakland pushes for green solutions like rain gardens, critics argue these may not fully address flooding and pollution, leaving both counties at odds over how to protect Southeast Michigan’s water resources. The Detroit News
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The rains are coming. Metro Detroit is not prepared.
Local agencies are working to step up their leadership, collaborate, adopt updated rainfall data and funnel billions in infrastructure projects into the region. But it’s unclear whether it will be enough to stem future flooding and loss of life and property.