Echo

When cars die, the environment may suffer

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By Elisabeth Pernicone and Shawntina Phillips
Dec. 1, 2009

Last summer’s Cash for Clunkers Program collected 700,000 used cars, according to the United States Department of Transportation. Although it was successful in giving Americans a $3,500 or $4,500 credit for a new fuel-efficient car, the environment could need a rebate of its own. “Automobiles have a lot of fluids that can be hazardous to the environment,” said Christine Grossman, enforcement specialist at the Waste and Hazardous Materials Division of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. “Some fluids are spilled or released as gases into the environment and result in problems with clean up and air emission.”

According to the Steel Recycling Institute, the automobile is the most recycled consumer product in the North America.

Air

Burning cars: Flames aren’t the worst environmental hazard

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By Thea Neal
Dec. 1, 2009

Salvaged cars aren’t the only ones producing dangerous byproducts. A simple spark at an accident can turn cars into environmental health hazards. Burning cars often emit dangerous toxic gases, said Bill Peters, owner of East Lansing Automotive Center. “So many toxins are released, especially cyanide gas.

Echo

Old fish makes new Great Lakes comeback

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By Mehak Bansil
Nov. 27, 2009

LANSING–Lake sturgeon, one of the oldest surviving species from prehistoric times, is making a small comeback in the Great Lakes region. “They’ve increased about a couple of percent since their lowest numbers, but at least the populations aren’t going down anymore,” said Bruce Manny, a fishery biologist for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Great Lakes Science Center in Ann Arbor. The increase is due in part to a spawning project in Black Lake, an inland lake in Cheboygan County. According to a report in the Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 40 percent of the lake sturgeon released into Black Lake as part of the project survived their first winter, but Manny said, there are no estimates on the actual number due to a lack of comprehensive studies.

Land

Swap a used coat for admission to state parks in Michigan

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By Caitlin Costello
Nov. 27, 2009
LANSING, Mich. – The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids program are helping families bundle up and enjoy Michigan’s outdoors. Coats for Kids encourages the public to bring gently used coats to one of 16 state parks on Saturday, Dec. 5 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. In return, donors will receive free entrance to the park for the day.

Echo

Long commutes, high gas prices spur creation of more commuter lots

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By Emily Lawler
Nov. 22, 2009

LANSING, Mich. – Look for more car pool lots in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the 2010 state road map. The state added four car pool lots in the Upper Peninsula this summer and fall as U.P. residents are becoming more interested in the option. “They have generally a longer travel distance between jobs, so there’s definitely a need for carpool lots in the U.P.,” said Niles Annelin, car pool lot coordinator for the Michigan Department of Transportation.

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.

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.

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.

Nearshore

Marina bill helps cash-strapped Michigan agency focus on environmental protection

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By Mehak Bansil
Oct. 25, 2009
LANSING–A bill awaiting Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s signature would change permit requirements for those who already own a dock, pier or other anchoring structure and those looking to build one in an inland lake or stream. Renewals would no longer be necessary to maintain and operate such facilities, but boaters who don’t already have a permit would still need one. If a boater wants to build or add to a structure, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) would have to analyze the project to ensure it wouldn’t disrupt natural resources. Martin Jannereth, DEQ’s chief of lakes, streams and shorelands, said eliminating renewals probably won’t harm inland waters.

Echo

Michigan driving schools might be required to teach fuel economy

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By Mehak Bansil
Oct. 18, 2009
LANSING, Mich. – Another bill in the saga of Michigan’s move toward a greener future targets driver’s education. Schools would be required to teach students how to maximize fuel economy with proper driving and maintenance and how to choose fuel-efficient vehicles.Rep. Dan Scripps, D-Leland, said he co-sponsored the bill because of an active interest in energy issues. He said it could help drivers minimize their environmental footprint while saving money on fuel.