News Summary Michigan’s bottle return rate dropped to 70.4% in 2024, marking the lowest level since 1990. This decline, coupled with over $116 million in unclaimed deposits, raises concerns about sustainability and recycling initiatives. A new campaign aims to encourage bottle returns, while proposed legislative changes seek to modernize the
News Summary Oakland County has closed three beaches following routine testing that revealed unsafe levels of E. coli bacteria. As part of a broader effort to ensure public health, authorities have issued advisories and are urging residents to stay updated on water safety. Approximately 250 beaches in the area face
News Summary The U.S. EPA has authorized the Michigan Potash and Salt Company to proceed with a new mining facility in Evart Township, which will extract potash and salt at an estimated cost of $1 billion. The project has received significant financial backing from federal and state sources but faces
News Summary ZestyAI has received approval from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services for its Severe Convective Storm suite. This advancement comes as Michigan faces soaring weather-related insurance losses, exceeding $5 billion since 2019. The suite aims to provide insurers with enhanced predictive analytics for property-level storm damage,
News Summary The U.S. Justice Department has filed lawsuits against Hawaii, Michigan, New York, and Vermont, claiming their climate initiatives conflict with federal authority and the administration’s energy agenda. The complaints target state-led actions against fossil fuel companies, viewing them as overreaching and burdensome. Legal experts highlight the unusual nature
News Summary The J.H. Campbell coal plant in Ottawa County, Michigan, will remain operational for an additional 90 days due to an emergency order from the U.S. Department of Energy. This decision, driven by concerns over electricity shortfalls during summer peak demand, allows the plant to continue generating 1,560 megawatts
News Summary The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced a temporary halt to new utility-scale solar projects on state-managed forestlands due to environmental concerns. This follows public objections to a proposed solar development in Gaylord, where substantial backlash arose over potential tree removal. The DNR plans to establish a
News Summary U.S. Senator Gary Peters has proposed the Preventing Power Outages Act to enhance power grid resilience in Michigan and nationwide. The act seeks to modernize infrastructure, secure funding for upgrades, and improve reliability amidst extreme weather events. Highlighting the outdated status of Michigan’s power grid, it aims to
News Summary The Cannabis Regulatory Agency in Michigan is proposing new rules that would enable real-time surveillance of marijuana businesses through a secure portal. This move raises concerns among industry professionals regarding privacy and potential misuse of surveillance. Critics argue that unrestricted access to live feeds could lead to intrusion
News Summary DTE Energy and Consumers Energy have filed a lawsuit against Toshiba America Energy Systems Corp. over an $800 million upgrade at the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant. Allegations include mishandling of key components and operational delays, threatening the plant’s integrity and functionality. Toshiba, facing claims exceeding $690 million, has
