Vice President JD Vance, once a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative advocate, now faces conflict with Trump administration’s federal funding cuts for climate and environmental initiatives.

Detroit may see significant cuts in transit funding due to a new federal order tying transportation funding to marriage and birth rates, while Republicans in Michigan try to repeal EPA lead pipe removal rules.

Advocates and residents say EGLE should consider cumulative pollution impacts and block a permit for DTE’s EES Coke facility, which could worsen air quality in southwest Detroit and Downriver

President Joe Biden’s key climate and economic policies, including the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act, face opposition from the Trump administration, which aims to withhold billions intended for community solar projects, drought relief, and pollution cleanup.

The EPA has frozen funding for 43 projects in Michigan, including five in Detroit, despite court orders blocking the freeze, affecting $48 million worth of grants for initiatives like One Love Global and the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority.

Over 300 waterfowl deaths in lower Michigan counties are linked to highly pathogenic avian influenza, with initial tests confirming the virus in deceased birds.

EPA’s Chicago office is facing significant cutbacks, raising concerns among environmental justice advocates and union representatives about the impact on staff and the ability to address environmental threats in Detroit and Hamtramck.

Advocates say they want lawmakers to stand up to the administration’s actions, which they say are unconstitutional and will harm education, public health and the environment.

Meg Navoy, founder of Rosemarine Textiles, is leading workshops on sustainable textile practices, guiding participants on mending and natural dyeing to prolong the life of their clothing, and promoting a mindset of clothing care.