Nasty problems: Jefferson Chalmers residents met recently to discuss the flooding and sewer backups plaguing their neighborhood. Among the solutions under discussion were green infrastructure, large underground reservoirs to temporarily hold water, an expensive separation of stormwater and wastewater infrastructure, and emergency sewers to pipe sewage directly into the Detroit River during heavy rains. Some green infrastructure […]
Posted inCommunity
Advocates ‘feel really damn good’ on transit vote, say region still has far to travel
Three regional millage proposals set the stage for stronger regional transit. But the region has a lot of catching up to do. During last Tuesday’s election, Rochester Hills resident Thomas Yazbeck’s ears were perked up for all the news he could get about three regional millage proposals on the ballot in Southeast Michigan. As it […]
Posted inAccountability
Will Michigan seize historic chance to act on climate?
Now that Democrats have won control of state government, activists want to see action on environmental justice and climate issues. Following the 2022 midterms, Jeffrey Bulls was waiting for community-level turnout numbers to gauge how well his canvassing efforts had gone in Saginaw. But overall, he was happy with the election results. “Man, I don’t […]
Posted inSolutions
New heat regulations could save hundreds of workers’ lives. Do employers care?
Industry groups are trying to weaken proposed federal heat regulations. by Audrey Carleton Published in: Fast Company Extreme heat — a phenomenon that is increasing in severity and frequency as the planet warms — is the deadliest weather related disaster, killing more than 5,600 people each year, according to some estimates. It attacks the elderly, […]
Posted inUncategorized
From the Headlines- November 7 – 11
Michigan ‘trifecta’: A strong performance by Democrats in the 2022 midterm election and the passage of important ballot measures and millages may have changed the trajectory of environmental action in Michigan. Here are some key election outcomes: What policy actions do you hope move forward next year? Hit reply to let us know; we’re compiling a […]
Posted inCommunity
Links between air pollution, preterm birth focus of new WSU center
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 […]