Overview:
-Detroit is pushing forward with phase two of solar farm projects in sparsely populated neighborhoods.
-Three Detroit hospitals receive failing grades for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group.
-Michigan House votes to repeal law that allows state authorities to override local governments on renewable energy projects.
🚰 Trump’s budget plan would impact Michigan drinking water, energy assistance, housing programs President Donald Trump’s proposed budget would have substantial effects on Michigan. The plan would eliminate funding that supported 430,000 Michigan households with energy assistance last year, cut $212 million for state drinking water projects, end EV subsidies important to Detroit automakers, reduce rental assistance that housed 240,000 Michiganders, and eliminate community development grants that provided over $100 million to Michigan communities, including nearly $39 million to Detroit alone. 📌 Source: Detroit Free Press
🚫 State issues violation to Oakland County for 1.2 million gallon sewage discharge The Oakland County Water Resources Commission received a state violation for releasing 1.2 million gallons of raw sewage into Red Run Drain during April’s heavy rainfall. This marks the county’s second violation following a similar incident in 2023. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy requires Oakland to submit a corrective action plan by May 29. Commissioner Jim Nash said the releases were necessary due to Great Lakes Water Authority’s 2019 system changes, while Macomb officials argue these discharges pollute the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair. 📌 Source: The Detroit News
🏥 3 Detroit hospitals among nation’s worst for patient safety, watchdog says Three Detroit Medical Center hospitals – Detroit Receiving, Sinai-Grace, and Harper University – ranked among the lowest 1% of U.S. hospitals for patient safety, receiving “F” grades from The Leapfrog Group. The Economic Alliance for Michigan raised health equity concerns, as three of five graded Detroit hospitals failed in a predominantly Black city. DMC disputes the ratings and said it does not participate in Leapfrog’s survey. Meanwhile, Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit earned its third consecutive “A” grade. 📌 Source: MLive
🔌 Detroit unveils phase two of solar farm project in blighted neighborhoods Detroit is advancing plans to transform blighted areas into solar farms across five neighborhoods. The resident-driven initiative includes carefully designed natural buffers around the sites. Councilmember Scott Benson highlighted the $25 million investment in low-density areas. Mayor Mike Duggan stated the city has acquired all necessary land for phase one and 80% for phase two, with construction beginning fall 2025. The 31-megawatt project will power municipal buildings while generating funds to improve neighboring homes with new windows, furnaces and water heaters. 📌 Source: Michigan Public
🪫 Michigan House votes to repeal law letting state override local decisions on renewable energy projects The Michigan House passed bills May 1 to repeal a 2023 law allowing state authorities to approve renewable energy projects rejected by local governments. Supporters of the repeal, including sponsor Rep. Gregory Alexander (R-Carsonville), argue the law undermines local control. Opponents, mostly Democrats, defended the law as essential for clean energy expansion and cost reduction. The bills now move to the Democratic-led Senate, where they are unlikely to advance. The 2023 law remains in effect for now. 📌 Source: WEMU
🚧 Michigan’s cleantech projects face uncertainty Michigan’s ambitious cleantech initiatives, including electric vehicle and hydrogen projects, are encountering significant setbacks due to evolving market dynamics and federal policy shifts. Notable projects, such as CustomCells’ $100 million battery plant in Warren and Nel Hydrogen’s $400 million facility in Plymouth Township, have been paused or canceled. Factors contributing to these delays include reduced demand, financial challenges, and uncertainties surrounding federal support. Despite these hurdles, some companies remain cautiously optimistic, adapting strategies to navigate the changing landscape. 📌 Source: Crain’s Detroit Business
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct the date that bills were passed by the Michigan House of Representatives to repeal a 2023 law allowing state authorities to approval renewable energy projects rejected by local governments. The vote took place May 1.