News Summary An operational error at the South Shore Water Reclamation Facility in Oak Creek led to a release of approximately 10,000 gallons of untreated wastewater into Lake Michigan on September 18, 2025. The spill lasted for about 30 minutes, and while immediate corrective actions were taken, community concerns remain
News Summary Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency has classified $2.7 billion in pandemic benefits as overpayments, affecting around 350,000 workers. A class-action lawsuit has paused collection efforts, while the state’s unemployment rate has risen to 5.4%, the second-highest in the nation. Job losses in the manufacturing sector and increased tariffs on
News Summary Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is set to file lawsuits against major oil companies in May 2024, aiming to hold them accountable for environmental harm caused by fuel consumption. This initiative targets gas station chains and highlights concerns over climate change impacts on Michigan’s ecosystem. Nessel’s strategy follows
News Summary Northern Michigan sees pivotal advancements in renewable energy with the approval of the Northern Waters Solar Park and the 45th Parallel solar project. Covering significant land and set to generate substantial electricity, these projects aim to meet rising demands for renewable energy while addressing community concerns about land
News Summary Michigan has introduced two new programs for nonprofits and tax-exempt entities, allowing them to access federal clean energy tax credits through Elective Pay. The MHC Challenge and Elective Pay Ambassador Program aim to simplify the process and increase participation from communities historically facing barriers in utilizing clean energy
News Summary The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has redirected a shipment of nuclear waste from the Manhattan Project away from a landfill in Michigan to a facility in Texas. The decision comes after local opposition raised concerns about safety and environmental risks associated with the proposed disposal site. Community
News Summary The Michigan Department of Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against Tribar Technologies Inc. and Adept Plastic Finishing Inc. for serious air and water pollution violations. The companies have been accused of discharging toxic chemicals into the Huron River, prompting immediate regulatory action. Both firms have ceased operations,
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 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
