Governor Whitmer has signed a use tax exemption for large data centers in Michigan, potentially attracting wealthy companies to the state. Environmental advocates warn that the high water and energy demands of these facilities could undermine state climate goals and raise residents’ utility bills.
Why is Los Angeles is burning in January?
The Eaton fire in Los Angeles has scorched over 10,000 acres, threatening historic sites and destroying over 1,000 structures, while the Palisades Fire has claimed two lives and destroyed more than 1,000 structures, marking it as one of the most destructive in the nation.
What we’re reading: Solar showdown, recycling crisis, and power struggles
Michigan is grappling with environmental challenges, from leasing state land for solar projects to inadequate recycling, the uncertain future of Great Lakes’ ice cover, and the contentious Line 5 pipeline debate.
Detroit’s solar neighborhoods initiative picks final sites: Greenfield-McNichols, Houston-Whittier
The solar arrays will help power 127 city buildings. Homeowners in these areas will receive twice their home’s fair market value or $90,000, whichever is higher.
Climate change wreaks havoc on Michigan’s cherry industry
Michigan’s cherry farmers face volatile weather and rising costs, causing fungi and pests to surge, resulting in up to 75% crop loss this season.
APPLY NOW: 2025 Planet Detroit Neighborhood Reporting Lab
Planet Detroit is accepting applications for its 2025 Neighborhood Reporting Lab, offering training in profile writing, interviewing, and photography to empower local storytellers.
Wayne County expected to fail new EPA air quality standards for particulate matter
EPA and state agencies seek public feedback as particulate matter nonattainment designations move forward.
Planet Detroit’s top 5 environmental stories of 2024
Michigan’s environment and energy future faced significant challenges in 2024, including Project 2025, potential data center expansion, DTE rate hikes, wildfires and campaign finance violations.
Lame duck ends, environmental bills left in the dust
The Michigan Legislature’s failure to pass key environmental and justice bills, including septic codes, drinking water affordability, community solar, and pollution cleanup, leaves these critical issues unresolved.
Should a lack of snow become its own economic disaster?
This coverage is made possible through a partnership between IPR and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization. The slopes haven’t opened yet at Mt. Holiday, a small ski hill in Traverse City. They’re still building up the base of snow. Jim Pearson, the executive director, has been coming to the slope since he was a […]