Overview:
-Three Michigan hospitals could close due to federal Medicaid cuts, according to University of North Carolina researchers.
-Two environmental groups say the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers draft environmental impact statement for the Line 5 tunnel project is inadequate.
-Consumers Energy announces expansion of energy assistance program.
🚛 Detroit groups use technology to document truck traffic’s environmental impact Detroit’s Trucks Off Our Street coalition is testing a computer-based system to track diesel truck traffic and air pollution in residential neighborhoods. The dashboard uses cameras and air quality monitors to replace volunteer hand-counting, creating graphs showing correlations between truck numbers and pollution levels. Partners include Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision, Southwest Detroit Community Benefits Coalition, and JustAir. The data aims to inform policy changes for truck rerouting and local ordinances, with plans to expand citywide through additional state grants. 📌 Source: Michigan Public
🏥 Michigan hospitals among 300-plus nationwide at risk from Medicaid funding loss Three rural Michigan hospitals face closure risk due to federal Medicaid cuts from Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.” University of North Carolina researchers identified McLaren Central Michigan, UM Health-Sparrow Carson City Hospital, and Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital as vulnerable based on negative margins and high Medicaid patient mix. The legislation imposes work requirements starting 2027, potentially affecting 11.8 million Americans. Michigan hospitals could lose over $6 billion in funding over ten years, threatening rural healthcare access. 📌 Source: MLive
🛢️ Environmental groups challenge Line 5 tunnel project’s climate impact analysis Environmental groups argue the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers failed to adequately analyze climate change impacts in its draft environmental impact statement for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project under the Straits of Mackinac. The Corps excluded greenhouse gas emissions and climate considerations, citing Trump’s executive orders, despite National Environmental Policy Act requirements for comprehensive environmental reviews, according to joint comments made by the groups. Critics say the 30-day comment period was inadequate and worry the project contradicts Michigan’s renewable energy goals and could set dangerous precedent for future projects. 📌 Source: Inside Climate News
☀️ MI Solar For All program kicks off with $7.9M in grants across 8 communities The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy awarded $7.9 million in Solar for Savings grants to launch eight MI Solar For All pilot projects across Michigan. The projects include residential rooftop solar installations and community solar arrays serving low-income households in counties from Wayne County to the Upper Peninsula. Recipients will retrofit homes with solar panels, battery storage, and efficiency upgrades. The initiative aims to reduce electricity bills by 20% while improving energy resilience for vulnerable communities through this federally supported clean energy program. 📌 Source: Environmental Protection Online
₿ Crypto mining operation disrupts Upper Peninsula elementary school A Bitcoin mine across from Lake Superior Academy in Dafter Township forced a K-5 Montessori school to cancel a building expansion due to excessive noise from cooling fans reaching 70 or more decibels. Michigan has at least four large crypto mines, with bipartisan legislation pending to ease regulations and create a “cryptocurrency bill of rights.” Local governments struggle with zoning these operations. The school obtained a temporary restraining order against the mine, while the company installed hay bales to reduce noise levels. 📌 Source: Bridge Michigan
🔌 Consumers Energy expands energy assistance program for qualifying customers Consumers Energy customers who qualify for State Emergency Relief funds can now receive additional support up to $500 annually per commodity (electric and natural gas). New applicants in fiscal year 2025 can receive the full $500 cap regardless of debt amount, while previous recipients can apply for the remaining balance through Sept. 30. Last year, 54,000 customers received $38.4 million in SER funding, with 137,000 families across 330 Michigan counties receiving energy assistance through various programs. 📌 Source: WILX