New energy codes could make a big difference, but developers are wary. A new report asserts that Michigan could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy bills by updating its building energy standards. New standards could help the state meet emissions reduction targets set out in the MI Healthy Climate Plan and come at […]
Posted inAccountability
Michigan policy insights: Dem priorities, E-incentives, committee chairs announced
Here’s the latest from Lansing: Priorities: A few environmental priorities have been identified by the incoming Democratic leadership in Lansing. However, the focus seems to be on economic issues like repealing the state’s “Right-to-Work” law and expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit. But Democratic lawmakers have said they want to address water affordability in the […]
Posted inAccountability
Advocate warns a Camp Grayling expansion would be ‘incredibly unpopular’
A proposed 253 square-mile expansion of the Camp Grayling base in the northern Lower Peninsula has garnered significant pushback from environmental groups and at least one Michigan environmental official. Opponents are worried that insufficient thought and planning has gone into the proposal and that it could send additional pollution into the scenic Au Sable and […]
Posted inCommunity
Detroit Zoo leads coalition to connect habitat restoration efforts across the city
Detroit Audubon, National Wildlife Federation, Arboretum Detroit and neighborhood groups are working on small and large-scale habitat restoration projects. The challenge is to connect them. Detroit’s thinned-out Poletown neighborhood, swings and slides once in the underused, city-owned Callahan Park have been replaced with a new kind of playground, but this one isn’t for children. Instead, […]
Posted inGuides
Why gas stoves matter to the climate – and the gas industry: Keeping them means homes will use gas for heating too
Daniel Cohan, Rice University Gas stoves are a leading source of hazardous indoor air pollution, but they emit only a tiny share of the greenhouse gases that warm the climate. Why, then, have they assumed such a heated role in climate politics? This debate reignited on Jan. 9, 2023, when Richard Trumka Jr., a member […]
Posted inCommunity
Why safe drinking water is crucial to a healthy pregnancy
Pregnant people across the country lack access to safe drinking water. Grassroots organizations are stepping in when government can’t deliver. Sarah Sloat January 5, 2023 When Jamika Jones was pregnant with her son earlier this year, her mother worried about her drinking water from the tap. Jones lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where more than a […]
Posted inUncategorized
What you need to know this week – 1/13/23
Water shutoffs are back: Detroit’s water shutoff moratorium has been lifted, meaning tens of thousands of households could face shutoff notices for non-payment. Officials have said that households will not face a shutoff if they enroll in its new water affordability plan, called Lifeline, which caps water bills to $18 a month and helps customers pay off […]
Posted inCommunity
Parks summit convenes coalition to band together for a greener city
Attendees shared knowledge and lessons learned from projects to activate public spaces across the city.
Posted inAccountability
State regulators quash DTE proposal to encourage customers to pre-pay their electric bills
DTE positioned its pre-pay program as a way to help low-income customers manage their utility bills. Advocates said it would have eliminated customer shut-off protections. State regulators have rejected a DTE Electric plan to develop a prepay program that the company said would simplify the billing process, but critics say it seemed designed to skirt […]
Posted inCommunity
New EPA rule means cleaner trucks are coming. Will it be enough to help Southwest Detroit?
Even if trucks emit less pollution, changes could take years to make a difference. Some residents want the city to address issues like idling and truck routes through residential areas now. Keith Rodgerson, who lives near the intersection of 25th street and Toledo feels his city is moving in the wrong direction. He’s watched a […]