Overview:
-Household electricity bills have jumped 10% under the Trump administration, according to a new report from an advocacy group.
-Michigan's environmental regulator launches a webpage that addresses the state's wildfire smoke problem.
-Saline Township board postpones a rezoning request for a 525-acre data center project.
💸 Household energy costs surge under Trump’s anti-renewable agenda A new report finds U.S. household electricity bills have increased 10% since Trump’s inauguration, with gas prices rising 56%. Climate Power attributes increases to Trump’s tariffs, cuts to renewable energy programs, and data center demand he promotes. Energy Secretary Chris Wright blames Obama- and Biden-era policies for price momentum. The administration’s anti-renewable policies have led to 64,000 job cuts in clean energy sectors and $33.87 billion in lost investment across 123 projects in 33 states, according to a report from advocacy group Climate Power. 📌 Source: The Guardian
🚢 Oakland University scientists join study of Great Lakes water temperatures Scientists from Oakland University and across the Great Lakes region are conducting coordinated water sampling to understand how warming winters affect summer water quality. Great Lakes ice cover has declined since the 1970s, with regional temperatures rising 2.3 degrees since 1951. Declining winters extend growing seasons, potentially reducing beneficial diatom algae while increasing harmful algae blooms. The multi-university “grabs” project collects synchronized data snapshots to develop predictive models for water conditions and algae bloom behavior. 📌 Source: The Detroit News
😷 EGLE launches webpage to address Michigan’s wildfire smoke problem EGLE has launched a new webpage with comprehensive wildfire smoke resources as Michigan faces air quality challenges similar to 2023’s smoky summer. The resource hub provides EGLE’s response strategies, guides residents on using personal air quality sensors, and links to health guidance. It features a video where meteorologists explain advisories versus alerts and the Air Quality Index. This year, EGLE has issued advisories on 27 days and alerts on 4 days. 📌 Source: WDIV
🤖 Saline data center decision postponed after 3-hour public meeting The Saline Township Board unanimously voted to table Related Digital’s rezoning request for a 525-acre data center until Sept. 10 after a three-hour meeting. Residents voiced concerns about traffic impacts on US-12, water quality, energy costs, noise pollution, and mistrust of the developer. Treasurer Jennifer Zink said the proposal’s complexity requires more time for consideration. Trustee Dean Marion noted typical rezoning takes three to six months, not the requested 30 days. Related Digital’s CEO said he respects the board’s decision. 📌 Source: The Sun Times News
🔌 MSU study: Michigan needs $1 billion investment in EV chargers Michigan State University researchers say the state needs a nearly $1 billion investment in electric vehicle chargers to meet future demand. About 66,000 additional chargers are needed in addition to the existing 3,000 for a scenario where 25% of vehicles are EVs. Professor Mehrnaz Ghamami’s research, published by Michigan Economic Development Corp., found more chargers would reduce range anxiety and increase EV acceptance. EVs comprised 0.76% of Michigan vehicles in 2023. Technology has advanced from 50-kilowatt to 350-kilowatt chargers since 2018. 📌 Source: WKAR
🦟 West Nile death in Kent County is state’s first 2025 fatality A Kent County adult with underlying medical conditions died from West Nile virus, marking Michigan’s first 2025 death from the mosquito-borne illness. The person lived near a site with infected mosquitoes. Six human cases have been confirmed statewide in Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, Sanilac, Emmet, and Kent counties. West Nile virus infected mosquitoes were found in Grand Rapids, Walker, and Plainfield Township. Four people died from the virus in Michigan last year. 📌 Source: Detroit Free Press