State seeks feedback about pilot program for self-driving cars
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By Elinor Epperson
Capital News Service
Three miles of westbound I-94 in Wayne and Washtenaw counties are already set up for connected and automated vehicles. Now the Department of Transportation wants public feedback on the proposed project, which would include almost 40 miles of I-94 if completed.
It’s proposed to eventually span about 39 miles between Ann Arbor and Detroit. The lane would be reserved for connected and automated vehicles, or CAVs for short. Connected vehicles aren’t quite driving themselves yet, but they’re equipped to talk to other vehicles.
Waste
Targeted grants aim to increase Michigan’s recycling efforts
By Donté Smith
Capital News Service
For the third year in a row, Michigan’s recycling rate has hit a record-high, according to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Michigan’s recycling rate has risen from about 14% before 2019 to over 23% now. Officials say they expect the state will reach a 30% recycling rate by 2029.
According to the most recent figures from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the national recycling rate is currently 32% with a goal to increase that number to 50% by 2030.
Climate
Great Lakes region hit hard by steel industry pollution, report finds
By Joshua Kim
Pollution from coal-based steel production causes hundreds of premature deaths each year, with people in the Great Lakes region bearing much of the burden, according to a recent report. The nonprofit research group Industrious Labs looked at 17 coal-based steel plants and coke facilities operating in the United States and the health and environmental problems they cause in surrounding communities.
Emissions from these facilities include pollutants linked to significant health and environmental problems, including nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, fine particulate matter and lead.
Together their pollution is responsible for as many as 892 premature deaths per year, according to Industrious Labs. Those emissions also trigger around 250,000 cases of asthma symptoms annually, are linked to cancer rates 12% to 26% higher than the national average and result in up to $13.2 billion in annual health care costs, the report says.
The group based its results on an Environmental Protection Agency computer model that uses self-reported industry data.
Land
Tiny homes tackle homelessness around Michigan
By Donté Smith
Capital News Service
Tiny homes are gaining attention in the state as a potential solution for housing challenges, offering a creative approach to affordability and community-building.
While often showcased as a minimalist lifestyle choice on platforms like Netflix, where shows such as “Tiny House Nation” highlight their appeal, they’re also being deployed as a tool to address homelessness and housing density.
These compact dwellings, defined by the International Residential Code, are 400 square feet or less in floor space. Although they can be built on foundations, most are built on trailers. More people are experiencing homelessness as affordable housing has become harder to find.
Homelessness in the state increased by 8% in 2022 compared to 2021, going from 30,113 people to 32,589, according to the latest report from Michigan’s Campaign to End Homelessness.