Hereâs a weekly behind-the-scenes glimpse at some of the stories weâre following. Have a reading recommendation? Let us know at nina@planetdetroit.org.
DTEâs $100K âgiftâ to House Speaker Tate sparks outage outrage
As Michigan lawmakers fumbled power outage fixes, a DTE-linked nonprofit quietly handed $100,000 to a dark-money fund tied to House Speaker Joe Tate, fueling criticism of corporate influence. The “Putting People First Energy Package,” meant to hold utilities accountable, stalled under Tateâs watch while DTE faced anger over prolonged outages. Critics are calling the donation âlegal bribery,â highlighting Lansingâs growing reputation for secret money politics. Read more at The Detroit News
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New settlement agreement aims to put spotlight on DTE-linked dark money
A first-of-its-kind provision included in a DTE Energy regulatory case could shine a light on some of the companyâs contributions to dark money nonprofits belonging to state politicians or political entities.
Troubled Washtenaw landfill wants a bigger trash pile
Arbor Hills Landfill, notorious for odor complaints and environmental violations, is proposing a controversial expansion in Washtenaw County. The move has sparked opposition from neighbors in Northville Township, who already endure “stink, seagulls, and truck traffic.” With the facility cited repeatedly for pollution and nuisance issues, critics see the plan as a bad smell they canât escape.Read more at The Detroit News
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Landfills bake the planet even more than we realized
A landfill is a place of perpetual motion, where mountains of garbage rise in days and crews race to contain the influx of ever more trash. Amid the commotion, an invisible gas often escapes unnoticed, warming the planet and harming our health: methane.
Ann Arborâs Bryant neighborhood goes green with $3.1M boost
A $3.1 million grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission is powering Ann Arborâs push to make its Bryant neighborhood the nationâs first carbon-neutral existing community. The project focuses on renewable energy, electrifying homes, and health upgrades for 50 low-income households. With past grants funding solar systems and a planned geothermal heating network, the cityâs A2Zero goal to hit carbon neutrality by 2030 is getting a serious jolt.Read more on MLive
From soup kitchens to solar-powered resilience hubs
Detroitâs food pantries and soup kitchens are leveling up with $20 million in federal funds to become âclimate resilience hubs.â These revamped facilities will feature solar panels, energy-efficient upgrades, and even EV charging stations to keep the lights on and meals served during power outages. EcoWorks, alongside Solar Faithful and Michigan Interfaith Power & Light, is leading this effort, aiming to shelter and empower communities hit hardest by climate challenges. Read more at The Detroit News
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Coalition unveils initiative to build a network of community resilience hubs on Detroit’s east side
The initiative has received funding commitments totaling $2.7 million from local philanthropic organizations.
UP copper mine gets green light
A $50 million state grant for Highland Copperâs Copperwood Mine in Michiganâs Upper Peninsula just cleared another hurdle, with the House Appropriations Committee backing the controversial project. The proposed mine near Lake Superior promises $120 million in state tax revenue but faces fierce opposition over potential environmental damage, including mine waste threatening nearby pristine waters. Supporters argue itâs a shot in the arm for the struggling rural economy, while critics say itâs a risky bet on a region still grappling with the scars of past mining disasters. Read more at Interlochen Public Radio
Michiganâs â30 by 30â conservation push: Saving nature or just talk?”
A Democratic-led bill aims to conserve 30% of Michiganâs land and water by 2030, following international biodiversity goals. While the Department of Natural Resources supports the move, critics argue it lacks teeth, as the current version simply directs the DNR to “work toward” the target without firm mandates. Environmental groups call it a legacy-making step, but skeptics, like the Mackinac Center, see potential government overreach. Read more on MLive
Ann Arborâs solar power play: Bye-Bye DTE?
Ann Arbor is launching a community-owned “sustainable energy utility” to deliver cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable solar power to residents fed up with DTE Energyâs outages and rate hikes. Voters overwhelmingly backed the plan to let residents opt into city-owned rooftop solar panels without the hefty upfront cost. While ambitious, officials say itâs just step one; future plans include solar microgrids and possibly ditching DTE entirelyâif they can wrestle its infrastructure away. Read more on Bridge Michigan
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Ann Arbor voters to decide on sustainable energy utility
Ann Arbor residents will vote in November on a proposal to create an energy utility that would expand rooftop solar, battery storage, and other technologies to cut greenhouse gas emissions and boost reliability.
