Long overdue or an overreach that will increase rates? Democrats and Republicans divided on plan to require 100 percent clean energy and increase renewable energy sources in the next decade.
The bills would shift permitting authority over large wind and solar projects from local governments to the state. They have support from environmentalists, and opposition from local government advocates.
As climate change threatens to warm Michigan rivers, dam removal can drive temperatures down by several degrees overnight. An influx of state and federal money has boosted removal efforts, but advocates say more is needed.
Democratic bill sponsors say local fights over renewable energy threaten Michigan’s ability to meet climate goals and deliver reliable power. But Republican lawmakers say they fear rural communities will be railroaded by the green energy transition.
A bill package introduced Tuesday would give the state control over the permitting of large wind and solar projects. Controversy is brewing as Democrats negotiate other parts of their clean energy package behind closed doors.
Global warming is the latest in a string of challenges to face the lakes in their young (geologically speaking) lives. More than 150 native fish species are at risk.
Government officials begin the grim task of prioritizing which cold lakes and rivers to sacrifice — or save — as the climate changes. Not all cold-water loving fish may survive in the northern Great Lakes region.
Michigan’s wild places — and the fish and wildlife that call them home — are under threat as warmer temperatures cause species to migrate northward and rivers to overheat. Advocates called for more resources to protect Michigan’s fish and game from those changes.
Michigan can’t foist the energy transition on rural communities without their consent, but instead should build bridges that demonstrate we are all in this together.
As Michigan Democrats push energy bills setting ambitious deadlines for utilities to go ‘carbon neutral,’ they face pressure from all sides. Environmentalists want more, while business groups say the measures move too quickly.
Months after proposing a 2035 deadline for utilities to get all their energy from carbon-free sources, Democratic lawmakers say they’re moving the deadline to 2040 and making other changes.
Building a clean energy economy means demanding corporate accountability for human and ecological impacts of production — and that starts by supporting workers with good union contracts.
The Citizens Research Council of Michigan suggests the state should invest heavily in roads and power lines if it wants to jump-start stagnant population.
If decarbonization is our priority, we simply are not serious about achieving that objective without nuclear power in the mix. Without nuclear, Michigan will face exorbitant electric rates and more reliance on fossil fuel.
The Democratic governor offers a broad wish list for the fall Legislature. She says she’s leaving many details blank to prompt negotiations. Republicans predict the plans will raise taxes.
Democrats must be more transparent in making their case for nuclear energy. Michigan is better served by investing in wind, solar and battery, which can be added more quickly and at less expense.
Consumers Energy is weighing what to do with old, hydropower dams that cost more to operate and maintain than the value of the energy they provide. But removing the dams has consequences for major rivers and local economies.
