Overview:
-Lake Michigan-Huron drops most significantly over the last year, down 8 inches.
-Food Gatherers in Washtenaw County loses 1.5 million pounds of food worth $2.5 million in USDA cuts.
-The EPA lifts the Safe Drinking Water Act emergency order for Flint that was in place since 2016.
🌊 Great Lakes water levels rise seasonally, but remain below 2024 averages Great Lakes water levels rose 2-7 inches from April to May 2025 during seasonal spring increases, but remain 1-8 inches below 2024 levels. Lake Michigan-Huron dropped most significantly over the last year, down 8 inches. Above-average April precipitation contributed to the recent rise in water levels. Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, and St. Clair are forecast to continue rising through June, while Erie and Ontario will likely peak soon. Normal seasonal variation ranges 1-2 feet annually. 📌 Source: Lansing State Journal
🍅 Washtenaw County food bank loses 1.5 million pounds of food in USDA cuts The U.S. Department of Agriculture canceled $4.3 million in food shipments to Michigan food banks in late March without notice. Food Gatherers in Washtenaw County lost 1.5 million pounds of food worth $2.5 million, representing 30% of its distribution. The cuts eliminated nutritious USDA foods like meat, dairy, and fresh produce. One in seven Washtenaw County residents lack reliable food access, with over 40% of Southeast Michigan families struggling to afford basic needs including food. 📌 Source: CBS News
🚰 EPA lifts Flint water emergency order after lead standards met, pipes replaced The EPA lifted its Safe Drinking Water Act emergency order for Flint that was in place since 2016, with Administrator Lee Zeldin announcing the city completed all requirements. Water sampling shows Flint’s system complies with lead standards, with over 97% of lead service lines replaced. Mayor Sheldon Neeley called it a testament to residents’ advocacy. The city has tested below lead action levels since July 2016, though the EPA faces a 2026 trial over potential negligence. 📌 Source: MLive
🧪 Michigan misses 2025 deadline to curb Lake Erie farm pollution Michigan missed its 2025 deadline to reduce Lake Erie phosphorus pollution, a driver of toxic algal blooms, by 40% despite a decade of efforts and millions spent. State officials are revamping their strategy but won’t set another deadline yet. Environmentalists criticize the continued reliance on voluntary farmer programs instead of regulations. Farm runoff accounts for 95% of phosphorus pollution in key watersheds. Officials hope new approaches will achieve the reduction target by 2028. 📌 Source: Bridge Michigan
🍃 Senate votes to block California’s 2035 gas car ban, challenges states’ climate authority The Senate voted 51-44 to block California from enforcing its ban on new gas-powered car sales by 2035, challenging the state’s EPA-granted waiver under the Clean Air Act. Backed by Republicans and one Democrat, the move threatens similar climate policies in 11 other states. Critics argue it undermines states’ rights and climate action, while GOP leaders claim it prevents California from influencing national auto standards. The resolution now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk for approval. 📌 Source: The Washington Post
🔋 GM’s EV strategy faces ‘perfect storm’ of Trump policies, weak demand General Motors faces headwinds with its aggressive EV strategy amid Trump administration policy changes and sluggish consumer demand. GM’s EV sales nearly doubled to 32,000 in Q1 2025, but the company expects $5 billion in tariff-related costs. While competitors focus on hybrids, GM offers diverse EV models positioning it against aging Tesla designs. Some former Tesla owners are switching to GM due to political opposition to Elon Musk’s Trump administration role. 📌 Source: The Detroit News