CIGLR
Ice makes oil spills harder to detect, easier to contain
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Over half of the Michiganders surveyed in the study were extremely concerned about an oil spill at the straits. Most preferred that the almost 70-year-old pipeline be shut down.
cosmic
Heat detector finds explosive stars in cosmic game of “I Spy”
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As surveys monitor large parts of the sky at a time, they are more likely to observe short-lived events.
Climate change
Iron, salt and water could change the grid
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Iron-flow batteries could be the technology that helps pave the way for the Great Lakes region’s green energy future.
Energy
Solar-powered Lilypad gets Michigan launch
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A solar-powered boat has recently emerged on the Kalamazoo River that can run even through the night after the sun fully charges it.
Energy
Nuclear power concerns outlast decommissioning
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As Michigan and other states gradually move away from coal and other brown energy sources, there’s growing interest in carbon-free alternatives, including nuclear energy, which some advocates call a “clean alternative” that now fuels 30% of Michigan’s total electricity. With Palisades and other plants in the Great Lakes region scheduled to shut down in the coming decades, more people are considering the long-term impacts of this energy source.
Energy
Decommissioned nuclear plants are no harm to water if closed properly, experts say
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Eight nuclear reactors at six sites have been shut down permanently in the Great Lakes region. Proper decommissioning takes approximately 30 years to complete. Strict procedures and laws set by the NRC and other agencies are intended to ensure that U.S. nuclear plants operate and decommission in a way that is safe for the environment and public. While no accidents at nuclear plants in the Great Lakes region have had a severe impact on water quality, government officials are still debating the proper way to store nuclear fuel and the impacts it can make.
Capital News Service
Michigan lawmaker wants to block ban of natural gas hookups
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Banning natural gas hookups in new homes and businesses at the local level is the latest example of environmental extremism, according to Michigan state Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Ida, who proposes prohibiting local bans.
Energy
Identifying Michigan’s top energy issues
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As the first year of the Biden administration ends at a time that some experts call the “greatest transition in energy infrastructure” and the “third energy revolution,” it may be opportune to check on some of the top energy issues facing Michigan in the future. Here are three of them.
Climate change
Enlist building codes for climate fight
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From insect-based dog food to fusion energy, solutions to climate change vary wildly, but there’s one mundane solution that affects nearly everyone—building codes.
Energy
New solar program might help Michigan K-12 schools curb energy cost
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The highest expense for schools behind faculty salaries is energy, prompting some districts in Michigan to eye solar savings.