What we’re reading: EPA plan would scrap greenhouse gas limits on power plants

🏭 EPA eyes elimination of all greenhouse gas limits on power plants The EPA has drafted a plan to eliminate all greenhouse gas limits on coal and gas-fired power plants, arguing these emissions don’t contribute significantly to climate change since they represent only 3% of global emissions. Yet U.S. power plants are the second-largest domestic source of greenhouse gases and account for 30% of global climate pollution. The proposal, sent to the White House in May, faces expected legal challenges. 📌 Source: The New York Times

💉 Feds cancels $600M Moderna contract for pandemic flu vaccines The Department of Health and Human Services canceled Moderna’s nearly $600 million contract to develop pandemic flu vaccines, including H5N1 bird flu shots. HHS cited safety concerns about mRNA technology, despite extensive global safety data from COVID-19 vaccines. Moderna’s H5N1 vaccine showed promising results with 97.8% of participants developing protective antibodies. Pandemic preparedness experts called the decision a “huge mistake” that undermines U.S. readiness and pharmaceutical partnerships. 📌 Source: STAT News

💡 West Michigan coal plant’s future in limbo after federal closure delay The future of Consumers Energy’s J.H. Campbell coal plant remains uncertain after a federal 90-day closure delay. The utility must now wait until late August to proceed with shutdown plans, while MISO grid operators must report stability measures by June 15. Though Michigan officials dispute any energy emergency exists, the pause allows further study of potential power shortages and cost impacts before the plant’s ultimate fate is decided. 📌 Source: WOOD-TV

🛝 Detroit parks system climbs in national ranking despite funding gap Detroit’s parks system rose to 58th nationally from 65th last year in the Trust for Public Land’s ranking of America’s 100 largest cities. While 84% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of parks, the city lags in amenities like restrooms and dog parks. Detroit spends $118 per person on parks, below the $133 national average, but improvements continue with a new 20-acre riverfront park opening this fall. 📌 Source: Axios Detroit

🚰 Ann Arbor filters out ‘forever chemicals’ from drinking water supply Ann Arbor detected PFAS “forever chemicals” in its drinking water in 2014, tracing contamination to upstream industrial discharges in the Huron River, which supplies 85% of the city’s water. The city now uses granular-activated carbon filtration to remove PFAS to below detectable levels. Michigan was among the first states to test all drinking water supplies for these persistent chemicals found in everyday products. 📌 Source: CBS News Detroit

🌡️ Great Lakes temperature extremes more than double over 80 years University of Michigan research reveals that Great Lakes temperature extremes have more than doubled in intensity over the past 80 years, with heat waves and cold snaps becoming significantly stronger. Using computer modeling to fill data gaps, researchers found Lake Superior shows the largest increase in heatwave intensity among all five lakes. These extreme temperature changes threaten ecosystems, fisheries, water quality, and coastal infrastructure including drinking water systems. 📌 Source: Michigan Public

🏙️ Highland Park secures 50 solar street lights Highland Park residents are finally getting some new street lights after over a decade without adequate lighting. Installation was scheduled to begin May 26. The city secured grant funding and donations from Solartronic for 50 solar lights throughout the community. Residents like Curtis Perry and Doris Baldwin have relied on porch lights and walking sticks for safety in the dark streets, expressing relief about the long-awaited improvement to neighborhood security. 📌 Source: WDIV