Land
Commission advises linking environmental and human health data
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A recent International Joint Commission (IJC) report recommends monitoring chemicals and toxic substances in the fluid and tissues of young children and pregnant women.
Energy
Great Lakes states examine alternatives to coal-fired power plants
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Illinois, Indiana and Ohio were all in the top five coal destinations in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Energy
Wisconsin court clears controversial ‘frac sand’ mining permit
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The Wisconsin Court of Appeals has upheld a decision by Buffalo County officials to grant a permit that would allow more than 100 truckloads a day of fracking sand to be trucked on local roads.
Land
Emory University tests Michigan residents exposed to PBB
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The concern is whether contamination left by the Velsicol Chemical Co. in St. Louis, Mich., has longterm health consequences for the county’s residents more than 40 years later.
Energy
Inadequate tree-trimming contributed to lengthy power outages
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Consumers Energy was singled out in a Michigan Public Service Commission staff report for spending nearly $16 million less than the MPSC approved for the utility for vegetation management in 2013.
Waste
Environmental groups, manufacturers find common ground on eliminating rules
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Michigan’s Environmental Advisory Rules Committee is a group of environmentalists, manufacturers, attorneys and state officials assigned to identify duplicative, obsolete or burdensome environmental rules.
Climate
Climate report sheds light on Great Lakes shipping challenges
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A recent federal climate report indicates decreasing ice coverage on the Great Lakes that could lead to more evaporation, lower water levels and costlier shipping.
Energy
Cheap natural gas a challenge for cogeneration plant
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In 2006 when a Minnesota group announced a $60 million biomass cogeneration plant, spot prices for natural gas topped $13 per million Btu. By the time the power plant began operating in May 2009, they had plunged below $4. Operators say they’ve stayed viable by cutting costs and upgrading efficiency.
Water
Inland Seas needs Facebook votes to set sail with $25,000 grant
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The Suttons Bay group hopes to update its “Schoolship” and educational programs and buy new equipment and technology. All it needs to win are votes on Facebook.
Water
New film showcases Michigan’s Au Sable River
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The River is a new film that tells the story of Michigan’s Au Sable River, covering the famous stream’s logging history of the 1860s, angling heritage, modern threats and spiritual value .