The Michigan Senate has approved tax breaks for large data centers run by tech giants like Google and Microsoft, amid worries over environmental impact and rising utility rates.

Kalamazoo, Michigan, has partnered with Consumers Energy to power city buildings with solar energy, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2040. Grand Rapids, Milwaukee, and Muskegon have also joined the utility’s solar program.

Michigan lawmakers have advanced carbon capture utilization and storage legislation to the Senate floor, despite concerns from environmental groups about the lack of adequate environmental protections.

The mighty oak in the Great Lakes region faces threats from climate change, with rising temperatures, severe rainstorms, and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.

The Detroit Intermodal Freight Terminal will spend $112 million to modernize and decarbonize, reducing truck traffic and air pollution. However, residents and advocates question if the changes will address community concerns or just expand the terminal’s capacity at their expense.

The Michigan Senate Housing and Human Services Committee has approved Senate Bills 332 and 333, creating the Family Leave Optimal Coverage (FLOC) program. This initiative offers up to 12 weeks of job-protected, paid leave for caregiving, illness, or bereavement, potentially benefiting 1.6 million workers.

State and federal authorities will assess the impacts of BASF’s ongoing pollution on air, water and soil.