If you’re exploring the outdoors in Metro Detroit, you might find Chef Chris Gadulka and his staff raiding a nearby patch of dandelion greens or plucking berries from a local autumn olive bush. But they’re not just pruning; they’re foraging – and masterminding ideas for using local plants in the pestos, salads, and tartlets at […]
From the Headlines- July 11 – 15
Ozone action: Metro Detroit experienced its second ozone action day this year on Monday, July 11. Environmental regulators told residents in southeast Michigan and counties on the west side of the state to reduce outdoor activities and avoid refueling their vehicles, using lawn equipment, or using charcoal lighter fluid, among other things. Ozone action days are called when hot weather […]
Detroit’s incinerator is coming down. Now, neighbors want a say in repairing toxic legacy.
Published in partnership with BridgeDetroit Detroit has sought to reassure neighbors that they will include community voices in the next steps. Advocates and residents cite a lack of public engagement. Each day, the now-shuttered Detroit incinerator on Russell Street burned thousands of pounds of trash and released emissions that worsened health issues for many nearby […]
Advocates doubt Detroit’s new plan to help struggling residents with water bills will solve the affordability crisis
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department’s freshly unveiled Lifeline Plan aims to help eligible households keep their water service and erase past debt. But water justice activists and residents want more information, transparency, and accountability. Five years later, the memories of barely having enough never left Sonja Bonnett. On the hardest days of survival, the […]
Jefferson-Chalmers resident aims to meet neighbors, clean up Lakewood East park
Ted Tansley grew up on a farm in northern Oakland County not really knowing his neighbors. He’d always wanted to live in Detroit, in a place where he could be active in the community. So in 2019, he moved to Jefferson Chalmers. Tansley is passionate about having clean parks for people to enjoy and wasted […]
New DTE Energy-affiliated dark money group launches, aims to influence Michigan politics
CO2 2022/2021 : 419.35 ppm / 417.07 ppm Dear Michigan Climate News readers, This week: A new "dark money" group is influencing politics in Michigan. affiliated with one of its largest utilities. Their aim? Likely maintaining a cap on solar energy. The MPSC wants more info before deciding on a new gas-and-oil pipeline in eh […]
Only half of Great Lakes residents are aware of advisories for safely eating fish
By CAMERYN CASSCapital News Service LANSING – The Great Lakes Basin draws millions of anglers each year to fish in its lakes, rivers and streams. In addition, millions more of the region’s residents eat those fish. The problem is, only about half of them are aware of fish consumption advisories, according to a recent study […]
From the Headlines- July 5 – 8
Decision delayed: The Michigan Public Service Commission voted Thursday to re-open the record for additional evidence in the case that will decide whether Enbridge gets a permit to build an underground tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac to house part of its Line 5 oil and gas pipeline. During the meeting, MPSC Chairman Dan Scripps said the […]
‘We can’t even keep our windows open’: Poletown East residents protest outside US Ecology South plant ahead of permit renewal
Strong odors filled the air outside of the US Ecology South facility Thursday as a group of Michigan politicians joined with community members and organizations to demand that the City of Detroit establish a Host Community Agreement with US Ecology South. The company is seeking a permit renewal from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great […]
Can Michigan move forward with fighting climate change after SCOTUS decision?
CO2 2022/2021 : 420.21 ppm / 417.21 ppm Dear Michigan Climate News readers, The U.S. Supreme court took a cudgel to the federal government's ability to administratively regulate carbon. In the absence of congressional action, can states go it alone? In other news, DTE Energy is at it again with the dark money campaigns — […]