Power shift: Lawmakers and environmental groups expect the new Democratic-led Michigan Legislature to reverse Republican-enacted laws and reintroduce Democratic-sponsored bills this year. Water shutoffs and affordability, renewable energy reform, and climate change action could be up for debate. Republican-created laws that could be on the chopping block include a 2016 law banning plastic bag bans, […]
Posted inAccountability
Study finds biogas is no silver bullet in Michigan’s climate woes
A state regulator said the fuel might still show promise in ‘hardest-to-decarbonize’ industrial applications. A recent industry report on the viability of developing biogas as an emissions-reducing energy source in Michigan highlights the controversial fuel’s limits. However, the state may still invest taxpayer resources in developing it. The report found that, in the best-case scenario, […]
Posted inSolutions
Cleveland pilot project provides rooftop solar for low-income residents
Cleveland pilot project provides rooftop solar for low-income residents by Kathiann M. Kowalski, Energy News Network January 3, 2023 The new year is bringing energy bill savings to Kassy Allen and others in Cleveland’s first rooftop solar program designed specifically for low- and moderate-income families. City leaders and others joined Allen’s family for an official […]
Posted inVoices
3 reasons local climate activism is more powerful than people realize
3 reasons local climate activism is more powerful than people realize Students rally for fossil fuel-free energy at the University of California, San Diego. Erik Jepsen/UCSD Adam Aron, University of California, San Diego Global warming has increased the number of extreme weather events around the world by 400% since the 1980s. Countries know how to stop […]
Posted inCommunity
Here comes 2023!
Last week Planet Detroit recapped some of the most important stories of 2022. Here are the stories we’ll be keeping a close eye on in the coming year: Will DTE clean up its act? One of the most consequential climate and energy justice issues this year is likely to be DTE Energy’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which shows […]
Posted inVoices
OPINION: Not-so-Grand
Stellantis has racked up seven air quality violations since 2021 at its Mack plant on Detroit’s east side.
Posted inSolutions
As flooding increases, Chicago looks to make basement housing safer
This story is part of a collaborative series, from the Institute for Nonprofit News, Borderless Magazine, Planet Detroit and four other news partners, examining climate resilience across the Great Lakes. This reporting was made possible with support from the Joyce Foundation. Chicago has experienced more frequent and severe storms in recent decades, putting immigrants and low […]
Posted inCommunity
Do you have something to say about your neighborhood?
Planet Detroit is partnering with Cleveland’s The Land on a special opportunity to train local residents who want to write about their neighborhoods, local government, civic issues, and more. Participants work with experienced journalists to learn how to write a story and get published in Planet Detroit. No experience is necessary, just a passion for […]
Posted inAccountability
Will Dem lawmakers reform Michigan’s environmental protections?
Michigan’s environmental regs have seen decades of rollbacks under Republican leadership. With control of the governor’s seat and the Michigan Legislature, Democrats are in a position to reverse that in 2023. Will they? Environmental lawyer Nick Leonard says the Stellantis plant on the east side of Detroit is a good example of how Michigan officials […]
Posted inSolutions
Climate solutions for Great Lakes power grid include better planning, transmission
This story is part of a collaborative series, from the Institute for Nonprofit News, the Energy News Network and four other news partners, examining climate resilience across the Great Lakes. This reporting was made possible with support from the Joyce Foundation. Advocates say electric grid operators need to update their planning process to better prepare for […]