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.
Federal funds target Detroit’s sewer backups
Water-related disasters, including PFAS and E. coli concerns, are driving Detroit’s plan for $346 million in federal disaster recovery aid. The funds aim to fix failing alley sewer lines to prevent basement flooding for 10,000 homes and build flood-resilient affordable housing. City officials call it a historic opportunity to modernize aging infrastructure and safeguard vulnerable communities against future disasters. Source: BridgeDetroit
Solar showdown: Michigan’s public land in the crossfire
A plan to lease 420 acres of DNR state land in Gaylord to a private solar developer has ignited fierce debates, with GOP lawmakers demanding firings and locals split over the loss of forest. The solar developer backed away as Michigan Environmental Council urged cooler heads, calling for public input and tailored development instead of “anti-solar firestorms.” With clear-cuts, gas wells, and degraded land in the mix, this is less about sunshine and more about shades of gray. Source: Bridge Michigan, MEC
Community solar sparks bipartisan buzz, but utilities throw shade
Michiganders want easier access to small-scale community solar projects, gaining bipartisan support for local energy independence. Big utilities like DTE and Consumers Energy argue these projects could raise costs and say their own programs are better—but critics claim utilities just want to protect their monopoly profits. Meanwhile, local solar advocates are pushing back, calling community solar a win for rural, urban, and low-income communities alike. Source: Michigan Public Radio
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Republicans and Democrats want community solar. Why won’t Michigan legislators enable it?
Advocates say big utilities wield their influence in Lansing to maintain control over renewable energy.
Michigan trashes $500M+ in recyclables annually
Michigan dumps up to $676 million worth of recyclable materials into landfills each year, from food scraps to lithium batteries. A new report says better recycling could create over 4,000 jobs and billions in economic impact by 2035—but for now, Michiganders are literally throwing money away. Time to cash in on the trash? Source: Bridge Michigan
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How do the recycling programs in Michigan stack up? We asked a state expert.
For a broader perspective on how Michigan recycling systems compare with national statistics, we contacted a market development recycling specialist.
Ice, ice, maybe?
Forecasters predict below-average ice cover on the Great Lakes this winter, continuing a warming trend. Last year’s record-low February ice canceled ice-dependent events, and this season isn’t shaping up to be much better—so don’t count on that ice fishing trip just yet. Source: Michigan Public Radio
Ann Arbor eyes breakup with DTE, prepares for power play
Ann Arbor is inching toward taking over DTE’s local energy grid, considering a municipal power system amid frustrations with outages and reliability. A $1.7 million study will explore the costs and legal hurdles of dumping DTE, with estimates ranging from $281 million to $1.15 billion. Proponents call it a step toward energy democracy, but critics warn of sky-high costs and litigation battles that could leave voters in the dark. Source: MLive
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Ann Arbor has a plan to reduce DTE Energy reliance — form their own ‘Sustainable Energy Utility’
*You can keep up with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter! Got an idea for a Michigan climate story? Pitch us here.* SUBSCRIBE TO THIS NEWSLETTER HERE BY NINA IGNACZAK A report released Thursday outlines a path toward reducing Ann Arbor’s residents’ and businesses’ reliance on DTE Energy that its authors say is legally, technically,…
Pipelines, presidents, and Prime Ministers
The fate of Michigan’s Line 5 pipeline is entangled in political upheaval and legal battles as Trump prepares to retake the White House and Trudeau exits as Canada’s prime minister. Michigan is pressing to shut down the pipeline over environmental concerns, while Enbridge pushes forward with plans for a $500 million tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac, pending federal permits. With looming court dates, trade threats, and a high-stakes treaty dispute, this 70-year-old pipeline has become a flashpoint in U.S.-Canada relations and the global energy debate. Source: The Detroit News
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State regulators green-light Line 5 tunnel in Straits of Mackinac
The project can’t move forward until the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releases its findings on the project’s environmental impacts and grants it a federal permit.
LA wildfires fueled by rare collision of climate extremes
Unusually powerful Santa Ana winds and record-dry conditions have ignited fast-moving wildfires across Los Angeles, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. This rare combination of factors, during what is typically Southern California’s wet season, underscores how climate change is amplifying extreme weather swings. With gusts reaching 99 mph, these fires are a stark reminder of the growing challenges in managing fire risks amid shifting climate patterns. Source: Axios