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🌍 Michigan’s climate goals: So far, so good Michigan is making solid progress toward carbon neutrality by 2050, with a 19% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2005 and projections hitting 26% by 2025, per a new state report. The MI Healthy Climate Plan has driven legislation to clean the grid, electrify transit and cut energy costs while boosting climate resilience. Still, plenty of work remains. Source: Michigan Public
🏭 Environmental justice during Trump 2.0: Stay the course Environmental justice advocates are being urged to stay the course as a second Trump administration brings weakened protections and rollbacks on climate policies. Reports warn that low-income and marginalized communities—already hit hardest by pollution—could see federal support dry up as Trump prioritizes deregulation and industry interests. Activists say the fight isn’t over, but the road ahead looks bumpy. Source: Michigan Public
🌾 Rural America also feels the impact of Trump’s DEI cuts: Trump’s executive order to end federal DEI programs also jeopardizes funding for rural and low-income communities. Projects like flood-resistant wastewater plants, school tornado shelters and clean energy infrastructure now face uncertainty as federal support dries up. Critics warn that this move disproportionately harms Republican-leaning rural areas that have benefited from past funding. Source: CNN
🚎 Detroit’s transit push: More money, more buses, still waiting Transit advocates are pushing for a major funding increase to improve Detroit’s public transportation, pitching it as a key driver of economic growth and regional competitiveness. While new buses are on the way, city officials warn that staffing shortages and infrastructure hurdles mean improvements won’t happen overnight. With a transit expansion in the works, advocates say now is the time to double down on investment to keep Detroit moving. Source: Detroit One Million
💧 Trump dumps PFAS limits—states left to protect waterways President Trump has withdrawn a Biden-era plan to set federal limits on PFAS discharges into water sources, leaving states like Michigan to manage these ‘forever chemicals’ on their own. Environmental groups warn that without federal standards, public health risks could increase and cleanup costs may skyrocket. Source: Michigan Public
🔥 Michigan ditches tire burning—now what? With Michigan phasing out the burning of old tires, recyclers and state officials are scrambling for alternatives to keep millions of scrap tires out of landfills. Some see rubber-modified asphalt as the next big thing, promising more durable roads—but cost and adoption hurdles remain. In the meantime, the sudden shift has left recyclers struggling and could lead to more tire waste piling up. Source: MLive
⚖️ Enbridge fights shutdown push, cites treaty protections As Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel presses to shut down a four-mile section of Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline, the energy giant argues the state has no authority over its operations. Citing a 1977 treaty between the U.S. and Canada, Enbridge claims only federal regulators can make that call, while Michigan insists protecting the Great Lakes outweighs corporate interests. With the case now in court, the fate of the aging pipeline—and the legal battle over state vs. federal power—remains uncertain. Source: Michigan Advance
🌊 Will Trump 2.0 sink Great Lakes protections? Advocates say ‘maybe not’ Despite Trump’s past attempts to slash Great Lakes funding, environmental leaders are cautiously optimistic that bipartisan support will keep key programs like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) alive. While cuts to EPA and water infrastructure funding are likely, Trump’s VP, JD Vance, has a history of backing Great Lakes initiatives, giving advocates some hope. Still, with climate change, fossil fuel expansion, and water use pressures mounting, activists say they’re ready for a fight to keep the lakes clean and protected. Source: Toledo Blade