Echo
Should the government or consumers weigh risks and benefits of raw milk?
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Whether consumers should be allowed to purchase unpasteurized milk has been a hot topic in Michigan for years.
Wildlife
Bat-killing disease approaching Michigan could affect agriculture and ash borers
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Michigan’s bats are under attack — not from tennis racquet-swinging bat swatters or vampire-hunters but principally from a deadly fungus with the potential to disrupt the ecosystem.
Nationwide, white-nose syndrome has wiped out an estimated 1 million bats since it was initially seen in a New York cave in 2006. Since then, it’s been identified in 14 states and two Canadian provinces and is moving westward.
Echo
Michigan prepares fishing gear restrictions for 73 more miles of river
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The Department of Natural Resources and Environment has issued its final proposal to impose fishing restrictions on 73 more miles of river, but not without controversy.
Echo
Michigan manufacturers look to wind energy for economic turnaround
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With the decline of the automotive industry and Michigan’s economy taking a turn for the worse, workers and businesses are looking for ways to turn things around – and they may have found one answer: Wind energy.
But wind energy isn’t an easy industry to get into because it’s extremely competitive.
Energy
Recycle new light bulbs and avoid mercury risk
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Compact fluorescent light bulbs use less energy.
They also contain mercury, and that has some doctors concerned about their ultimate disposal.
Echo
Michigan oil, natural gas production plummets; alternatives on rise
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Crude oil, once nearly 30 percent of energy produced in state, is now only 4 percent. Production dropped 85 percent between 1980 and 2007. Alternative energy production in Michigan is increasing, but lags other Great Lakes states.
Wildlife
Beekeepers buzz about embattled bees
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Colony collapse disorder is a scientific mystery in which bees suddenly disappear from their hives.
Large research projects are underway to determine the causes.
Scientists are looking at food sources, nutrition, diseases, viruses and parasites.
Echo
New study raises questions for wind energy debate
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A study in Colorado and Texas may influence the Great Lakes wind energy debate.
It says that coal plants ramping up to accommodate the intermittent nature of wind could be more polluting than if they ran at a set rate.
Echo
Grants spotlight lighthouse projects
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Supporters of 10 Michigan lighthouses requested renovation grants from the Michigan Historic Preservation Office this year.
Funding for the Michigan Lighthouse Assistance program comes from the sale of specialty license plates. Michigan has 128 lighthouses, the most of any state.
Land
Michigan renews brownfield redevelopment efforts
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A legacy of Michigan’s manufacturing might is seen in abandoned, contaminated and deteriorating buildings.
State officials are gearing up efforts to turn such sites into restaurants, condominiums, golf courses, new manufacturers.