Overview:
-Environmental advocates and Michigan AG Dana Nessel are contesting a federal mandate to keep the Campbell coal plant open an additional 90 days.
-In Memphis, the NAACP is poised to sue Elon Musk's xAI over allegations of air pollution impacting predominantly Black neighborhoods.
-Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin is the lone Democratic vote for a resolution eliminating California's emission standards waiver.
🏭 Environmental groups, AG Nessel challenge federal order to keep Campbell coal plant open Environmental groups and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed separate challenges Wednesday against a U.S. Department of Energy order requiring Consumers Energy to extend operations of the J.H. Campbell coal plant through Aug. 21. The groups argue Energy Secretary Chris Wright fabricated an energy emergency to justify keeping the west Michigan plant open despite a 2022 agreement to close it in May. EarthJustice and Nessel argue the order unlawfully props up coal plants and violates Michigan’s authority over power generation. 📌 Source: The Detroit News
🌪️ Tornado touches down in Fraser as severe storms sweep metro Detroit The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down in Fraser on Wednesday afternoon near Kelly Road, marking Michigan’s 29th tornado of 2025. Severe thunderstorms returned Wednesday evening, prompting warnings for Detroit, Dearborn, and Livonia. The storms produced 40 mph wind gusts, lightning, and heavy rainfall as they moved through metro Detroit. Earlier flooding was reported in Clinton Township, Macomb Township, and Fraser. 📌 Source: The Detroit Free Press
🪲 Michigan confirms first detection of invasive Asian longhorned tick Michigan confirmed its first detection of the invasive Asian longhorned tick after Calvin University students found two nymphs at Grand Mere State Park in Berrien County on June 13. The tiny pest poses disease risks to birds, mammals, and livestock, potentially spreading Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other illnesses. Native to east Asia, the species has spread to 22 U.S. states since 2017 and can kill livestock through severe blood loss. 📌 Source: MLive
💡Whitmer likely to replace utility rate commissioner after less than 2 years Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to replace Alessandra Carreon on the Michigan Public Service Commission when her partial term expires July 2. The Detroit News’ sources said. Whitmer plans to select someone else for the six-year term. Carreon, appointed in 2023, has advocated for public accessibility and affordable rates. Her potential departure follows commission decisions reducing utility rate increase requests from DTE Energy and Consumers Energy below their original proposals. 📌 Source: The Detroit News
😷 NAACP says it will sue Musk’s xAI over gas turbines in Black Memphis neighborhoods The NAACP is challenging Elon Musk’s xAI over air pollution from its Memphis supercomputer facility. The company operates gas-burning turbines without proper permits near predominantly Black neighborhoods, emitting pollutants linked to health problems, the organization says. The NAACP filed a 60-day notice to sue under the Clean Air Act. xAI said in a statement to The New York Times that “the temporary power generation units are operating in compliance with all applicable laws.” 📌 Source: The New York Times
🗳️ Slotkin is sole Democratic vote for Trump’s California emissions rollback President Donald Trump signed a Congressional resolution eliminating California’s emissions standards waiver, which allowed the state to ban gas-powered car sales by 2035. Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin was the only Democrat supporting the resolution, citing responsibility to Michigan’s auto industry workers. The Michigan Sierra Club criticized her vote, warning it could harm public health and clean transportation investments. Thirteen states followed California’s standards. California immediately sued the Trump administration over the waiver revocation. 📌 Source: Michigan Public