A new research program in Detroit will assess the impacts of air pollution and preterm birth. In February 2019, at 33 weeks pregnant with twins, Detroiter Ali Lapetina’s water broke. Promptly, the babies were rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit and put on breathing support for their underdeveloped lungs. “You wait for this moment […]
Posted inCommunity
EXCERPT: Great Lakes Champions
The following is an excerpt from John Hartig’s new book, Great Lakes Champions, which profiles some of the movers and shakers who have made a difference in the fight to clean up the Great Lakes. Grab your copy here. Foreword I have had the honor and privilege of working the majority of my more than […]
Posted inVoices
Why the Clean Water Act needs an update – or a new name
‘Lax regulation. threats from emerging contaminants and outdated pollution standards are among the deficiencies, experts say October 18 was the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, and a featured story in The Guardian stood in stark contrast to the celebratory mood exhibited by federal and state agency executives who gathered to honor the landmark […]
Posted inVoices
OPINION: DTE, show us the data! Why cities need info to plan for climate change
First, the good news: Congress has approved more than $1.5 trillion for much-needed climate and infrastructure projects over the last year. Some of the biggest winners in this legislation are electric and gas utilities, including DTE Energy. The bad news? DTE has failed to show that it will step up and support a just and […]
Posted inVoices
OPINION: A call to action for voters of faith
As Michiganders of faith and conscience, our values call us to be good stewards of God’s Creation, this planet we call home. We have a moral obligation to protect our climate for future generations. Our faith traditions call us to care for our neighbors and Creation. Whether you live in Detroit or Omer, this climate […]
Posted inUncategorized
From the Headlines- October 31 – November 3
Not buying it: Highland Park officials have questions about the mysterious announcement of a $10 billion investment in the city, including money to pay off municipal water debt. Kenneth Hogan, president of the Redford Township nonprofit Manna Development Corp., said his organization would facilitate investments to revive the city with backing from a “global billionaire.” Highland Park […]
Posted inAccountability
DTE plan calls for early coal-plant retirement, more renewables. Advocates call for faster progress, local ownership.
DTE Energy would retire its two remaining coal plants sooner than planned and triple the amount of renewable energy in its portfolio in the next two decades under a plan filed with state regulators Thursday. The plan projects a $9 billion investment over the next decade, which would “dramatically transform” how the company generates electricity […]
Posted inAccountability, Deep Dives, Lead poisoning
Lead paint is a major threat to kids. Old Detroit homes are full of it, but the city keeps selling them
The Detroit Land Bank sells thousands of cheap homes without disclosing the potential hazards of lead-based paint. Remediation has been slow. LaShawna Anthony needed to move into a new home in the summer of 2020 to get herself and her newborn out of a toxic romantic relationship. Instead of renting a new house, she bought […]
Posted inVoices
OPINION: All Michigan children should get tested for lead at 1 and 2 years of age
Updated 2/8/23 to reflect new legislation. More than 1,000 Detroit children are identified as lead-poisoned each year. And few Detroit kids are even tested for lead. In 2020, only 18% of Detroit kids were tested, making the true number of children in danger likely much higher. That’s why we must pass legislation requiring universal testing. […]
Posted inGuides
How will the Inflation Reduction Act impact Michiganders?
Michiganders will soon be able to get federal funding to cover much or all of the cost of electric stoves hot water heaters, dryers, rooftop solar or heat pumps, which could replace furnaces and function as air conditioners. The money to pay for such upgrades is part of the Inflation Reduction Act signed into law […]