Detroit ranks in the top 10 U.S. cities facing land subsidence, impacting infrastructure planning. A scrapyard fire in Southwest Detroit spread smoke across Wayne County. And a GOP tax bill endangers $522 billion in clean energy projects, many in Republican districts, raising concerns about future investments and emissions.
Posted inNews
State regulator asks EPA to redesignate Wayne County’s compliance with sulfur dioxide standards
The EPA will review the request and decide whether it meets Clean Air Act requirements, and the federal agency has 18 months to approve or deny the request
Posted inNews
Why Detroit’s energy grid still fails its poorest residents
In Detroit, faith leaders are pushing for the release of $2 million in EPA grants to establish resilience hubs with renewable energy, a crucial step for communities left vulnerable by a funding freeze under the Trump administration.
Posted inNews
EPA weakens PFAS limits in drinking water: Detroit water expert says rollback defies federal law
The EPA’s plan to weaken limits on certain PFAS, or forever chemicals, in drinking water raises concerns about health risks.
Posted inVoices
VOICES: Are Great Lakes protections drowning in deregulation?
In Detroit, federal environmental cuts and deregulation threaten the Great Lakes ecosystem, with layoffs at the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and weakened environmental protections raising concerns about long-term impacts.
Posted inNews
Could Trump make it easier for DTE to build natural gas plants?
DTE CEO said efforts to roll back clean energy rules could facilitate natural gas buildout, provide “flexibility” on coal plant retirements. Experts warn building new gas plants could put ratepayers on the hook for stranded assets.
Posted inNeighborhood Reporting Lab
Detroiter’s activism around I-375 project starts with appreciation for Black Bottom history
Carl Bentley and the ReThink I-375 Coalition question the environmental impact, community involvement, and economic outcomes of Detroit’s $300 million I-375 revamp, and advocate for genuine community partnership in the project.
Posted inCommunity
ICE fears drive older Latino Detroiters from vital health, social services
In Southwest Detroit, heightened ICE activity has sown fear and isolation among older Latinos, who depend on family and community for essential needs. This has spurred LA SED Senior Center to adapt, focusing on emotional support and wellness checks.
Posted inNews
Federal funding risks won’t deter Michigan’s climate plans: EGLE director
Despite federal funding uncertainties, Michigan’s climate efforts persist, driven by local and nonprofit collaboration to achieve the MI Healthy Climate Plan’s goals.
Posted inNews
EPA offers Clean Air Act exemptions from Trump, and one of metro Detroit’s top polluters applies
A new EPA policy under the Trump administration could let over 500 facilities nationwide sidestep pollution controls for two years, a move that critics say endangers millions of Americans.