The U.S. Supreme Court has restricted the Environmental Protection Agency and states’ flexibility in regulating water pollution under the Clean Water Act. However, regulators retain several methods to control pollutants from factories, sewage treatment plants, and other sources entering protected water bodies.
Posted inNews
Climate change could trigger more water main breaks like Southwest Detroit disaster
Increasingly volatile winter temperatures and prolonged summer heat may be creating problems for Detroit’s aging water infrastructure.
Posted inCommunity
Can solar power ease energy burden for Detroit’s low-income communities?
A $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy is enabling the North End Woodward Community Coalition to establish a community solar trust. This initiative will install solar arrays at key sites in Detroit’s North End, Highland Park, and Hamtramck, generating energy credits to be redistributed to local residents.
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NOAA layoffs endanger Great Lakes, experts say: ‘The drivers behind keeping us safe’
NOAA layoffs by Trump could hurt response to algal blooms, interrupt forecasts, undermine Great Lakes health.
Posted inNews
Environmental justice, clean energy, utility transparency: Michigan voters speak out
A recent survey reveals that Michigan voters are backing clean energy initiatives, with 62% supporting the state’s clean energy standard and 79% favoring policies to generate clean energy and manufacturing jobs.
Posted inNews
Great Lakes fish at risk as sea lamprey control faces layoffs
Sweeping layoffs at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have hit the Great Lakes sea lamprey control program, raising concerns about the impact on native fish populations and the $5 billion fishery they support.
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Michigan climate action plans must better address marginalized communities: study
A recent Michigan State University study reveals that while many Michigan local governments are developing climate adaptation plans, few address the disproportionate impacts on marginalized communities.
Posted inDeep Dives
Community voices take center stage in Planet Detroit’s 2025 reporting lab
Planet Detroit’s 2025 Spring Neighborhood Reporting Lab, backed by The Kresge Foundation, will train community-based writers to profile grassroots leaders fostering change in Metro Detroit.
Posted inNews
Environment on the sidelines in Whitmer’s State of the State address
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer started her seventh annual State of the State address with a familiar theme: “the importance of working with anyone to get things done for Michiganders.” That includes working with the Trump administration, with which Whitmer said she “hopes to find common ground.” Whitmer, a Democrat, focused on three priorities that will drive […]
Posted inNews
GLWA customers challenge water rate hike as costs spike by 5.9%: ‘Why now?’
The Great Lakes Water Authority voted to increase water rates for metro Detroit water systems by 5.9% on Wednesday, along with a 4.5% sewer rate hike. The increase represents a slight reduction from the 7.73% water rate hike and 5.39% sewer increase proposed by GLWA. The decision came after dozens of people packed a GLWA […]