environment

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel Opposes DTE Electric’s $456M Rate Hike, Proposes Lower Increase

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has challenged DTE Electric’s (DTE) latest proposal for a $456.4 million annual rate hike, arguing that the increase is excessive and not justified. The request, filed with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) in March, follows a recent $368 million rate increase granted to DTE, which would result in a 10% rise in residential electricity bills.

In her testimony, Nessel recommended a more modest $139.5 million increase, which would limit residential rate hikes to approximately 2.5%. She also called for a reallocation of customer funds towards cost-effective vegetation management and tree trimming, rather than DTE’s more expensive infrastructure projects.

Nessel’s intervention in utility cases has saved Michigan consumers more than $3 billion since she took office, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to keeping energy costs affordable. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gordie Howe International Bridge Deck Complete, Celebrates New Border Crossing

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrated the latest milestone in the Gordie Howe International Bridge construction: the completion of the bridge deck connecting Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan. Joined by U.S. Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt, the Mayor of Windsor, and senior officials, the celebration marked the bridge becoming an official border crossing.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, at 853 meters (0.53 miles), is the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America and the tenth longest worldwide. This new crossing, the first between Ontario and Michigan in over 60 years, enhances the Windsor-Detroit trade corridor. “The bridge is a symbol of Michigan-Canada friendship and effective collaboration, boosting our economies and facilitating commerce and commuting,” said Governor Whitmer.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

$1.5 Million Secured For Southeast Michigan Drinking Water Monitoring Program

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has approved $1.5 million in the State budget for the Southeast Michigan Drinking Water Monitoring Program, a significant public health initiative. This funding was secured through the persistent efforts of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) and Port Huron Mayor Pauline Repp, its immediate past chairperson. 

The drinking water monitoring program is a collaborative effort among 14 municipalities and serves as an early warning system along the 80-mile Lake Huron to Lake Erie corridor. This initiative includes monitors at the drinking water intakes of participating treatment plants, ensuring safe drinking water for almost half of Michigan’s population. 

The approval of this budget signifies a major step forward in ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water for Southeast Michigan residents, highlighting the critical role of regional collaboration and advocacy in public health initiatives.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Secures SBA HUBZone Support For 28 Counties, Boosting Small Business Growth

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan has secured continued Small Business Administration (SBA) support for 28 counties and census tracts through the SBA’s HUBZone program. This initiative aims to fuel small business growth in historically underutilized zones by awarding 3% of federal contract dollars to HUBZone businesses annually.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Michigan’s economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “The SBA’s HUBZone program will continue to support communities by connecting small business owners to federal contract dollars, creating high-skilled, good-paying jobs right here at home.”

Over the last five years, Michigan’s economic programs have helped companies in these zones announce projects expected to create over 1,800 new jobs and more than $3.5 billion in planned private investment.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gov Gretchen Whitmer

Governor Whitmer Signs Three Bills To Boost Wages, Revitalize Communities

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed three pivotal bills this week aimed at raising wages for clean energy workers, reducing costs for local governments to repair damaged properties, and cutting red tape to eliminate blight.

“Michiganders across the state deserve competitive wages to help them get ahead and safe neighborhoods to return home to at the end of the day,” said Whitmer.

Senate Bill 571 ensures higher pay for those working on renewable energy projects, fostering a more competitive and equitable state contracting process. House Bill 4331 gives local governments more financial flexibility to fix damaged properties, while House Bill 4332 incentivizes timely correction of blight violations.

“These commonsense bills put more money in the pockets of hardworking Michiganders and make our communities better places to live, work, and invest,” Whitmer added.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Early Voting Begins For Michigan’s Aug. 6 Primary Election

Starting Saturday, July 27th, and running through Sunday, August 4th, registered Michigan voters can cast their ballots in person at early voting sites for the August 6th Primary Election. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson emphasized the importance of voter participation, noting the convenience of early voting options available at Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting.

“Every citizen has the power to make their voice heard at the ballot box,” Benson said. “Michigan voters have two Saturdays, two Sundays, and a whole week in between to vote early.”

Early voting sites function like Election Day polling places, with ballots counted throughout the period but results withheld until election night. Voters can also hand-deliver absentee ballots to early voting sites, local clerk offices, or secure drop boxes.

For more information, visit: Michigan.gov/Vote.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell