Capital News Service
Paying more for landfill might help recycling
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The governor of Michigan has proposed dramatically increase dumping fees — tipping fees — to raise money for recycling, among other environmental programs.
Land
Potholes plague road agencies, drivers
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Rising temperatures and heavy rains have done a number on Michigan’s roads, and local road agencies are scrambling to patch potholes and make other repairs under difficult conditions.
Capital News Service
Move underway to continue home weatherization aid in Michigan
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An Ida lawmaker is leading the push to extend Michigan’s use of federal aid to help low-income households cover their heating costs. Co-sponsors include Escanaba, Hart and Battle Creek senators. The Trump Administration wants to eliminate the assistance program.
Land
Michigan driver education may add bicycle safety lesson
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At a time when bicycle-vehicle crashes are on the rise, a bill working its way through the Michigan Legislature would require driver ed programs to provide training about bicycle safety.
Waste
Add deposit to water bottles or raise landfill rates: debate is on
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There’s another legislative push to add water, juice, sports drink and similar beverage bottles and cans to Michigan’s 10-cent deposit law.
Capital News Service
More money sought to clean up brownfields
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Michigan Governor Rick Snyder wants higher dumping fees to raise money to clean up abandoned contaminated industrial sites known as brownfields.
Land
Farmers confront too much milk, low prices
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Dairy farmers who produce Michigan’s top agricultural commodity — milk — are still being slammed by low prices and overproduction.
Capital News Service
Chinese ban forces improvements in recycling
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Michigan recycling programs are adjusting to China’s new ban on imported waste materials.
Land
After GMO resistance, gene-editing technology is the next new thing
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The director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development bemoans a lack of science in public decision making, including what she calls unwarranted opposition to genetically modified foods, a consumer push for cage-free eggs and skepticism about new ag technologies.
Agriculture
Wineries rise in Michigan but more grapes needed
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Michigan’s wine industry continues to grow with number of approved wineries rising from 55 to 138 in the past 10 years, including new ones in Charlevoix, Onsted, Hastings, Baroda and Metro Detroit. An inadequate supply of Michigan-grown grapes, rather than possible oversaturation of the market, might be the major concern for the industry.