environment

Homeschooled Children May Be Required To Register With The Government

State Representative Jaime Greene, R-Richmond, strongly opposed the recent proposal by the Democrat chair of the House Education Committee to implement new policies mandating the registration of homeschool students with the government. 

In her statement, Rep. Greene emphasized that such a requirement constitutes a severe violation of parental rights, an invasion of privacy, and an unjustifiable government overreach. Greene argued that parents should have the autonomy to choose the best educational path for their children without intrusive oversight. 

Instead of imposing additional administrative burdens on homeschool families, she urged efforts to enhance public education and child protective services. Greene criticized the proposed registration as a misguided focus on regulating a legitimate educational choice, diverting attention and resources from addressing systemic issues within government agencies.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Schools Launches Aggressive Anti-Vaping Campaign In Collaboration With St. Clair County Health Department

In a proactive move to address the rising concerns of vaping among students, Port Huron Schools has joined forces with the St. Clair County Health Department for an intensive anti-vaping campaign. 

On December 6th, high school students witnessed a live presentation by Daniel Ament, a Grosse Pointe resident and the first person to undergo a double lung transplant attributed to vaping-related damage. Ament, once a state-recognized student athlete, shared his harrowing experience to raise awareness. 

The Health Department will extend its outreach to middle and high school students, delivering vital information on vaping dangers. The campaign will also engage parents through the Superintendent’s weekly e-newsletter, reaching 10,000 subscribers and linked to the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce’s weekly e-newsletter. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Secretary Of State Jocelyn Benson Highlights Resources For Older Driver Safety Awareness Week

In observance of Older Driver Safety Awareness Week from December 4th – 8th, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is urging Michigan residents to explore resources provided by the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) for continuous education on safe driving at any age. 

Emphasizing the importance of road safety, Benson encourages older drivers and their families to visit Michigan.gov/AgingDriver for valuable resources. The Safe Drivers Smart Options website offers information to empower and guide older drivers, promoting safe transportation planning. 

According to May 2023 MDOS data, almost 25% of Michigan’s 7.34 million licensed drivers are aged 65 or older, with approximately 383,000 drivers aged 80 or above. The initiative aims to keep older drivers engaged in the community while prioritizing road safety.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Public Service Commission Grants Enbridge Controversial Permit For Line 5 Pipeline Replacement Amid Climate Concerns

In a contentious decision, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has issued a permit to Canadian oil giant Enbridge, allowing the replacement of the existing Line 5 dual oil pipelines in the Straits of Mackinac with an untested underground pipeline tunnel. 

The MPSC’s approval has sparked criticism from environmental groups, including the Michigan Climate Action Network (MiCAN), represented by the Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC). Dr. Denise Keele, Executive Director of MiCAN, expressed disappointment, emphasizing the unnecessary and dangerous investment in new fossil fuel infrastructure. 

Experts argue that the tunnel’s construction will worsen the climate crisis, emitting an estimated 27 million metric tons of CO2 annually. Despite the MPSC’s decision, ELPC Managing Attorney Scott Strand notes potential hurdles, citing necessary permits from federal agencies and ongoing legal challenges that could impact the project’s future.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

State Rep. Jaime Greene Warns Of Soaring Electricity Bills As DTE Energy Gets Nod For $368 Million Rate Hike

In response to the Michigan Public Service Commission’s approval of DTE Energy’s $368 million rate increase, State Rep. Jaime Greene, R-Richmond, issued a stark warning on Friday.

She criticized the move as a precursor to a more significant crisis, alleging that utility companies are exploiting the shift to green energy, leaving consumers to bear the brunt. According to Greene, the rate hike is tied to the closure of reliable natural gas and coal-fired power plants in favor of less dependable green energy initiatives. 

She blames Lansing Democrats for lifting rate hike caps, ensuring utility profits at the expense of Michigan families facing tighter budgets. DTE claims the increase aligns with existing clean energy goals, but Greene insists that new mandates banning natural gas plants will escalate costs for residents.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Parks Enhance Green Spaces With DTE Energy Foundation Tree Planting Grant

St. Clair County Parks is set to transform local landscapes with a generous tree planting grant from the DTE Energy Foundation. The grant aims to enrich the quality of life and diversity of trees in local communities, fostering a greener, more vibrant environment. 

To mark this green initiative, a public ceremony and tree planting demonstration are scheduled for Friday, December 8th, at 10:00 a.m. in Columbus County Park. The event, located at 1670 Bauman Rd. Columbus, MI invites the community to the park lodge. 

Following the ceremony, attendees can enjoy hot cocoa and cookies by the fire pit. Volunteers, with no prior experience or tools required, are encouraged to join the tree planting efforts throughout the day. 

For more information, contact: Kirsten Lyons at klyons@stclaircounty.org or (810) 989-6317.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell