Metro Detroiters woke up to poor air quality Wednesday morning, with commercial monitors showing air in the Air Quality Index’s unhealthy range in some locations. A temperature inversion is responsible for Wednesday morning’s stagnant air and pollution, although low winds contributed to the problem, said Alec Kownacki, a meteorologist with the Michigan Department of Environment, […]
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How canceled clean energy projects are costing Michigan — and what happens next
On a gray December morning at the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, the view across the river told one story about Michigan’s economic future: massive cargo terminals, a waterfront humming with diesel engines, and, on the horizon, the Windsor skyline. Inside, a different story was unfolding. More than 100 community members, business leaders, labor representatives, and […]
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Ann Arbor voters could form city-owned utility in November: ‘Nobody has a good story about DTE’
Campaigners for an Ann Arbor municipal utility are collecting signatures to put a question on the November ballot, offering residents a path to replace DTE Energy with public power.
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Data center news: DTE Energy’s data center pipeline could require power of 6 nuclear plants
Experts warn Michigan’s aging grid, flat energy demand, and lengthy interconnection queues make accommodating data center growth a major challenge, though many proposed projects may never be built.
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Data center moratorium bills reflect public sentiment, says Michigan lawmaker
Three bipartisan bills in Michigan would prevent state and local government from issuing permits for data centers until April 2027, giving lawmakers time to address concerns about energy demands and community impacts.
Posted inNeighborhood Reporting Lab
Detroit residents become reporters in Planet Detroit’s 2026 journalism program
Nineteen Detroit-area residents kicked off Planet Detroit’s third annual Neighborhood Reporting Lab, a six-week program that trains community members to tell environmental stories about their neighborhoods.
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DTE files new electric rate hike request days after securing $242 million increase
DTE Energy files another rate increase request just days after regulators approved a $242 million hike that will cost residential customers an extra $4.23 monthly starting March 5.
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Detroit launches $1 million sea wall repair program for flood-weary Jefferson Chalmers
City Councilmember Latisha Johnson advocated for the $1-million state grant to target sea wall repairs as a step toward moving the neighborhood out of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood hazard designation.
Posted inCommunity
Detroit church goes solar despite EPA funding freeze: ‘The proof is at the Pilgrim Baptist’
Pilgrim Baptist Church celebrates solar array installation despite the Trump administration’s freeze on EPA grants intended for community resilience hubs in Detroit.
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Michigan environmental news roundup: Forever chemicals in drinking water of 52 million Americans
🚰 Forever chemicals found in drinking water of 52 million Americans, EPA data shows New EPA data reveals PFAS “forever chemicals” have been detected in drinking water systems serving at least 151 million Americans. More than 1,050 water systems reported average PFAS levels exceeding the EPA’s 2024 limits, affecting at least 52 million people. Large […]