Nov 28 2011 | | One Comment
Power plant visible from Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Photo: U.S. EPA

The Great Lakes face harm from overuse, according to a new report from the Great Lakes Commission that explores the connection between energy production and water.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources started regulating deer farms to combat disease spreading, but their role has frustrated farmers. Photo: Hans J E (Flickr) License

Two Michigan departments regulate fenced in deer farms.

Some farmers are unhappy with the DNR’s role, and a new bill would make the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development solely responsible for the farms.

Nov 22 2011 | | One Comment
Picture of Chris Hall, MSU Kramer lab graduate student, taking a sample of algae from PBR, photobioreactor.

Algae photo bioreactors are providing algae researchers a controlled environment to study algae and see which kinds could someday fuel a car.

Nov 21 2011 | | One Comment
coolerofperch

Great Lakes officials are examining risks of contaminants not covered under current fish consumption advisories.

Nov 18 2011 | | One Comment
A federal program that spurred clean energy in the region faces large cuts. Photo: Marquette University (Flickr)

A federal program that has spurred clean energy projects throughout the Great Lakes region is facing a huge cut this week as Congress finalizes the budget for next year.

Nov 16 2011 | | 3 Comments
The effects of the bloody-red shrimp invasion of the Great Lakes are still to be determined. Photo: Kelly Bowen / Fisheries and Oceans Canada

With a name like “bloody-red shrimp,” the invasive species might seem like the Great Lakes’ worst nightmare. But it’s a misnomer for this miniature invader.

A new package of bills in Michigan would add hurdles for natural gas drillers who use hydraulic fracturing.  Photo: arimoore (Flickr)

House Democrats in Michigan are pushing bills to protect the state’s waters by regulating fracking, a process that injects water and chemicals deep into the ground to fracture rocks and force out natural gas.

Nov 14 2011 | | 4 Comments
Dead bats are showing up around wind turbines through the region and country. Photo: Velaia (ParisPeking) (Flickr)

Wind turbines popping up around the Great Lakes are getting a reputation among webbed-winged night prowlers as large, spinning murderers.

Nov 11 2011 | | 5 Comments
chicagoview

Significant constituencies in the Great Lakes region refuse to let go of the old technology and ways of commerce.

And it’s causing serious environmental backsliding.

Photo: EPA

Despite attracting $14.4 billion in investments for developing contaminated properties the past 11 years, Michigan’s brownfield redevelopment program faces a cut.