environment

Climate Change Addressed with MI Healthy Climate Plan

Could Michigan be carbon neutral by 2050? A plan has been introduced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office to create the MI Healthy Climate Plan with carbon neutrality in the next thirty years as the goal. 

In introducing the plan by way of Executive Order 2020-182 and Executive Directive 2020-10, Whitmer said, “The science is clear – climate change is directly impacting our public health, environment, our economy, and our families.” 

The plan does not specify the methods, but tasks the Office of Climate and Energy in the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to develop and implement the MI Healthy Climate Plan. The Governor’s goal is to have state government lead the effort with the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget regulating new state buildings and facilities in accordance with the Healthy Climate Plan.

The plan has been endorsed by leaders from Steelcase, Utility Workers Union of America, the Sierra Club, and the American Lung Association. Those interested in being appointed to the Council for Climate Solutions can go to www.michigan.gov/appoinments and fill out an application by November 1, 2020.  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Pollution Prevention Week Aims to Keep Michigan’s Environment Clean

This week is “Pollution Prevention Week” and “Michigan Environmental Compliance Week” throughout the state. The observances are intended to draw attention to environmental stewardship. 

Toxic substances, like PFAS and abandoned industrial waste sites, have been hot topics in the state. Efforts are underway to reduce the use of toxic substances, recycle and reuse when possible, and to educate businesses, communities, and environmental professionals on how to protect Michigan’s environment.   

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is hosting a series of free online workshops for interested citizens and professionals. 

In St. Clair County, residential consumers can dispose of hazardous materials at the Smiths Creek Landfill. An appointment needs to be made and a detailed list of all materials being brought in needs to be submitted. 

The full list of materials that are accepted at the Smiths Creek Landfill, along with ideas on how to reduce use of toxic chemicals, and information about properly disposing of all kinds of toxic materials can be found www.stclaircounty.org/offices/landfill/. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Senate Bill 745 Allocates FEMA Money for Unemployment, Invasive Carp Protection, Flood Mitigation

Michigan Senate Bill 745 was signed into law on Tuesday. The legislation appropriates $2.8 billion in federal revenues from the Federal Emergency Management Agency in several ways.

Part of the money will go toward a temporary $300 per week in added unemployment benefits to go to current beneficiaries. The extra $300 will automatically be applied for those already on unemployment.

The benefit will continue until the money runs out. Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office did not know how many weeks it would last and called on the federal government to pass a bipartisan COVID-19 recovery package. 

The rest of the appropriation will go toward keeping Asian Carp out of the Great Lakes by putting $8 million toward the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Illinois as well as toward flood mitigation efforts in Detroit and disaster cleanup from the breached dam in Gladwin and Midland counties.

In his comments on the bipartisan deal, State Budget Director Chris Kolb credited the good working relationship with appropriations chairs, Senator Jim Stamas and Representative Shane Hernandez.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan AG Education Lawsuit Gains Traction; Environmental Lawsuit Filed

Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel continues to push back against the federal government’s policies regarding both education and the environment..

Nessel won a preliminary injunction to suspend a CARES Act Rule that allows COVID-19 response money to be shared with non-public schools. Nessel argued that the rule would set the stage for unfairly siphoning money away from public schools. The preliminary injunction was upheld and is prohibiting the Department of Education from enforcing its rule until a decision on the merits of the case can be rendered, according to a release from Nessel’s office.

Nessel and other democratic AGs are also going after the Trump Administration by filing a lawsuit to challenge curtailed requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act.

While the Trump Administration says the changes to the Act modernize and streamline environmental policy to “promote better decision making by the Federal government”, Nessel argued that, “This rule not only weakens the federal government’s obligation to ensure it minimizes impact on the environment, but limits the public’s ability to participate in the process.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Big Tree Hunt Underway

The 15th Biennial Michigan Big Tree Hunt Contest has been announced by ReLeaf Michigan. The contest is for Michigan residents of all ages and is open until August of 2021.

Winners will go on to the State Champion Tree List and could be entered into the official National Register of Big Trees. The state list includes eight trees in St. Clair County, including a copper beech on Seventh Street in Port Huron. The only Michigan tree that is on the national list right now is a White Willow in Lansing.

Last year’s contest had over 700 submissions. Size is determined by circumference of the trunk. Prizes are awarded for the largest tree found. There is also a contest for the largest White Pine, which is Michigan’s State Tree.

There is recognition for each county’s largest tree and largest of each species. Currently there are no registered state champions for striped maple, mountain maple, choke cherry, and white/paper birch.

More information can be found at releafmichigan.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Firefighters Assisting with California Wildfires

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is on its way to California to help fight the massive wildfires with off-road fire engines.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “The California wildfires have devastated thousands of families, and Michigan is ready to help in any way we can. The highly trained firefighters from the Michigan DNR regularly assist other parts of the country that are in need. Just like when California sent us ventilators in the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re prepared to help our friends on the West Coast protect families, businesses, and wildlife from these fires.”

There is a nationwide cooperative system where DNR firefighters may be assigned to any state in need. The DNR assures that there are plenty of firefighters still in Michigan should their skills be needed.

Multiple blazes are being fought in 15 states right now. Thousands have had to evacuate in California, and over a million acres of land have been burned. The fires are minimally contained with threat of more fires on the horizon.

Michigan is reimbursed for the services and the DNR describes the travel as “valuable to firefighters who want to increase their experience and learn skills they can use to fight fires at home.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland