Echo

Recycling rates drop while Michigan pushes for a green economy

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By Vince Bond Jr.
Nov. 21, 2009

LANSING, Mich. – Even as the state strives to transition to a green economy, recycling doesn’t appear high on residents’ to-do lists. Michigan recycling rates have fallen by 28 percent in the last 10 years – dropping from .36 tons per resident in 1998 to .26 last year, according to a report by Lansing-based Public Sector Consultants. In contrast, Michigan’s 72 percent landfill rate is second only to Ohio among Great Lakes states.

Nearshore

NEMO’s new mission: Find toxic algae blooms

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By Mehak Bansil
Nov. 17, 2009
EAST LANSING, Mich. – If it looks like a fish and swims like a fish, then it must be a fish. Unless it’s a pseudo-fish named NEMO, designed to monitor water temperature, oxygen levels, invasive algae populations and pollutants. For example, a robofish will be able to navigate independently and transmit information about the location of toxic algae blooms.

“We chose to fit these fish with sensors for toxic algae blooms, but I think other researchers will use this technology in the future to monitor different aspects of water quality,” said Michigan State University zoology professor Elena Litchman.

Echo

Michigan communities seek federal help to target urban blight

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By Vince Bond Jr.
Nov. 14, 2009

LANSING, Mich. – Time could be running out for abandoned and dilapidated homes plaguing the property values of some Michigan neighborhoods. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MHSDA) is seeking $290 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for its New Michigan Urban Neighborhood plan targeting the 12 largest municipalities, including Lansing, Detroit, Highland Park, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Others target areas are Pontiac, Wyandotte, Hamtramck, Battle Creek, Flint, Saginaw and Benton Harbor.

Land

Light rail plans would serve downtown Detroit and connect city to Ann Arbor, Traverse City

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By Adam DeLay
Nov. 15, 2009
LANSING, Mich. — Southeast Michigan officials are pushing for a commuter rail connecting Ann Arbor and Detroit, as well as a light rail running between downtown Detroit and the New Center area along Woodward Avenue. Kirk Steudle, director of the Department of Transportation, said the projects have the potential to offer better options to travelers in the area. “Gas prices hit $4 a gallon last year and will go up again,” he said.

Energy

Power plan would promote renewable energy

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By Emily Lawler
Nov. 8, 2009

LANSING, Mich. — Turning sunshine into money isn’t a new concept, but it may become a more profitable one in Michigan. A proposed “feed-in tariff” plan would allow individuals and businesses to generate renewable power and sell it to utility companies with a guaranteed “reasonable profit” of 10 to 30 percent. “It ensures you’re going to cover your cost and not lose money,” said Stanley Pruss, director of the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG).

Waste

Michigan landfill fees lowest in Great Lakes; state lawmakers propose hike to boost recycling

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By Hyonhee Shin
Nov. 7, 2009

LANSING — Some Michigan lawmakers are seeking an increase in solid waste disposal fees to help reduce landfills and incineration. The current fee is 21 cents per ton. Most other Great Lakes states charge more — 50 cents in Indiana, $2.22 in Illinois, $4.75 in Ohio, $7.25 in Pennsylvania and $13 in Wisconsin, the highest in the nation. A proposal by state Rep. Daniel Scripps, D-Leland, would establish a $7.50 per ton state tipping fee on solid waste dumped at Michigan landfills and municipal incinerators.

Energy

Fuel-efficiency needed for economic engine

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By Vince Bond Jr.
Nov. 1, 2009
LANSING, Mich. – It’s tough to keep an old champ down. Even though the auto industry has seen better days, some analysts believe it’s too early to count out the region’s once-formidable economic backbone. Meanwhile, new data suggests there are still signs of life.

Echo

Ethanol fuels debate; How about cars?

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By Hyonhee Shin
Oct. 31, 2009

LANSING, Mich. — Ethanol is promoted as an eco-friendly tool to reduce air pollution because it can be made from common crops such as sugar cane, potato and corn. Is it the key to a renewable energy future? In Michigan, the number of gas stations selling E-85 — a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline — has risen from two in 2003 to 117 in 2008.  The state has five ethanol plants able to produce nearly 50 million gallons a year.

Echo

Three invasive species spread through Great Lakes region

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By Emily Lawler
Oct. 28, 2009

LANSING– Asian longhorned beetles and sirex woodwasps and hemlock woolly adelgids – Oh my! Those three invasive species spotted in northeastern Ohio could soon ravage Michigan, and that could prove disastrous, horticulture experts warn. “There’s not a wall between the borders,” said Amy Frankmann, executive director of the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association in Okemos. Michael Philip, pest survey program manager for the state Department of Agriculture (MDA), said that at least one of these species is already here.

Echo

Michigan lawmakers consider shades of green for school environmental program

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By Nick Mordowanec
Oct. 25, 2009

LANSING — Some Michigan schools are at the forefront of making environmental improvements. Under a Senate proposal, schools across the state would have the opportunity to be designated as “green.”

The bill would create three levels: green, emerald and evergreen. To achieve a ranking, schools would need to complete a range of activities, such as operating waste-free lunch programs, teaching about alternative energy and composting food and organic wastes. The number of points earned from enviro-friendly activities would determine a school’s level.