Land

Real Christmas trees go green, fakes won’t decompose

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By EMILY LAWLER
Dec. 21, 2009

LANSING, Mich. — One way to “go green” may be to chop down a real Christmas tree this year. There is debate nationally over whether artificial or natural trees are better for the environment, but some experts say that real trees are always the answer in Michigan. “In terms of carbon balance, using real trees would be more environmentally friendly,” said Alan Rebertus, a biology professor at Northern Michigan University.

Echo

Shifting carbon from roads to roofs

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By Haley Walker

Oct. 19, 2009

Planting the rooftops in Detroit has the same environmental benefit as removing 10,000 SUVs off the road, according to a recent study. Michigan State University researchers found that planting vegetation on roofs can store heat-trapping carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. “This study is the first of its kind,” said head researcher Kristin Getter. “We knew these roofs had benefits, but we didn’t know they would be able to store carbon.”

Green roofs have been used to control temperatures, improve storm runoff and increase vegetation and wildlife habitat in urban areas.

Echo

Interest in diesel vehicles quietly growing

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By Thomas J. Morissey
Capital News Service

LANSING — Although hybrids may be the most talked-about vehicle technology, good old-fashioned diesel is quietly making its own resurgence, according to a new study by a multinational marketing research firm based in Michigan. “The hybrid electric vehicles continue to get the most attention. They’re the ones consumers are most familiar with, and they’re already on the road,” said Bryan Krulikowski, vice president of Farmington Hills-based Morpace Inc.

But personal vehicles with diesel engines are catching up, according to the company’s recent Powertrain Acceptance and Consumer Engagement study. “We asked a question on our survey about awareness of clean diesel vehicles on the road today,” Krulikowski said. About 70 percent of those who responded were at least aware of the technology.

Echo

Environmental project in Northern Michigan holds promise for energy future

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By Andy Balaskovitz
Great Lakes Echo
March 28, 2009

More than 3,000 feet below the ground in Gaylord, Mich., scientists hope to find solutions to America’s energy dilemma. They seek evidence of a coal-powered future that does not contribute to global warming. And Michigan may be sitting on a key part of the answer. Last year they injected 10,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) underground into a geological feature called a saline formation. They want to see if it will stay there forever.

Echo

VIDEO: Shine on, shine on capitol lights?

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By Amanda Peterka
Great Lakes Echo

LANSING – The lights usually dim at 6 p.m. in Michigan’s Capitol. The schedule is meant to reduce energy use in Lansing’s historic centerpiece. But when lawmakers are trying to pinch the state’s pennies late into the night during budget crises, lights glow long into the night, wasting energy and the very dollars that the Legislature is trying to save. “The last budget crunch — for a week straight — the lighting wasn’t reduced at all until 1 a.m.,” said Steve Benkovsky, the Capitol’s operations manager who oversees the building’s energy use. Spotlights and incandescent bulbs keep the chambers glowing warmly through the night – to mimic the Capitol’s original gas-lit rooms.

But maintaining appearances is costly.

Echo

Bay County power plant gets another look

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The Bay City Times:

A new coal plant for Bay County is back on the front burner. The state’s review process for the proposed $2.3 billion coal plant will resume in March, two area legislators said today. State Sen. James Barcia, D-Bay City, and state Rep. Jeff Mayes, D-Bay City, said they were notified by the state Department of Environmental Quality that the air permit process has resumed for Consumers Energy’s plan to build a new plant at its Karn-Weadock generating complex in Hampton Township. The process had been delayed under a directive from Gov. Jennifer Granholm. “Obviously, Jeff and I are pleased the process is back on track,” Barcia said.