Overview:
-U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expedites permits for Enbridge's Line 5 tunnel project under President Donald Trump's executive order to reduce reliance on foreign energy.
-Federal judge orders the Trump administration to unfreeze billions in climate and infrastructure funding that had been paused since January.
-Oakland, Macomb officials trade blame for millions of gallons of sewage discharges into Red Run Drain during April 3 storm.
🛢️ Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project permits expedited despite environmental concerns The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has expedited permits for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project under President Trump’s executive order to reduce reliance on foreign energy. The proposed 3.6-mile tunnel would encase a segment of the aging oil pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac, connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Enbridge asserts that the tunnel would enhance safety, but environmental groups and tribal nations express concerns over potential ecological risks and inadequate consultation. 📌 Source: Associated Press
⚖️ Judge orders Trump administration to release frozen climate funds A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to unfreeze billions in climate and infrastructure funding that had been paused since January. The ruling mandates the release of funds allocated under the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which support projects like urban forestry, lead pipe replacement, and wildfire prevention. The judge stated that executive agencies cannot override laws passed by Congress, emphasizing the importance of adhering to legislative mandates. 📌 Source: The Detroit News
🚱 Oakland, Macomb officials spar over sewage discharges On April 3, approximately 1.2 million gallons of raw sewage were discharged from Oakland County’s George W. Kuhn Retention Treatment Basin into the Red Run Drain, flowing into Macomb County. Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller reported finding sanitary wipes, condoms, and tampons along the banks the following day. She urged the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to take action, and said such discharges have occurred for years without resolution. Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash responded and said a Warren wastewater treatment plant released 43 million gallons of bypassed blended sewage into the drain on the same day, adding that the Center Line sewer drain also had an overflow, meaning that Macomb facilities caused the “vast majority” of the sewage discharge during the storm. 📌 Source: WXYZ
🌳 Flooding threatens hundreds of young trees in Southwest Detroit The Greening of Detroit is monitoring nearly 250 trees planted in Southwest Detroit in 2021 after a recent water main break caused significant flooding. While the nonprofit selected urban-tolerant species to withstand challenges like pollution and flooding, the full impact won’t be known until the trees emerge from dormancy in May or June. Director Fai Foen noted that human activities, such as physical damage from mowing or vandalism, often pose greater threats to urban trees than environmental factors. 📌 Source: WDET
🧪 Michigan offers compensation for chemical exposure study The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is offering residents compensation to participate in the Michigan Chemical Exposure Monitoring program. This initiative involves collecting blood and urine samples to assess exposure to chemicals such as lead, mercury, and PFAS. Participants will receive a $65 gift card and their individual test results. The program aims to gather data across various demographics to better understand and address environmental health risks in the state. 📌 Source: The Detroit News
💧 Michigan explores underground hydrogen storage for clean energy future Michigan is emerging as a focal point in the global pursuit of underground hydrogen storage, a potential cornerstone for clean energy. Researchers and startups are exploring the state’s extensive salt caverns and depleted oil fields as viable sites for storing hydrogen, which could support renewable energy systems. Experts caution that large-scale hydrogen storage presents challenges, including environmental concerns and regulatory hurdles, necessitating careful planning and oversight. 📌 Source: MLive