Press Releases

Developer says weakened dune protection laws allow quarter-mile access road through public park. MEC says otherwise.

A proposed EPA consent agreement would give the iconic ferry two more years to dump coal ash into Lake Michigan, with little guarantee that the boat would be retrofitted by 2015.

Legislation would redefine "conservation," prohibit state DNR from managing land and forests for diversity.

Bill would prohibit state agencies from managing lands for biodiversity, redefine 'conservation'

After more than two decades and 20 tries, Southeast Michigan has a coordinating agency charged with developing safe, efficient, reliable and connected public transportation.

After dozens of years and more than 20 failed attempts, the Michigan Legislature has approved an authority to coordinate public transportation in Southeast Michigan.

Coal power plants are the nation's largest emitters of the dangerous neurotoxin mercury, which makes many Great Lakes State fish unsafe to eat.

Families use 36 percent of DTE's electricity, but pay 69% of the cost. Proposal 3 would immediately rectify this inequity

Generating one quarter of Michigan’s electricity from renewable sources by 2025 would not have a significant impact on electricity rates and would actually reduce energy costs in the long term, a study released today concludes.

Their work ranges from the Oval Office to rural communities, protecting natural resources with courage, perseverance and vision

The Senate Regulatory Reform Committee today voted out legislation that may be the beginning of the end for Michigan’s bottle bill. The proponents of HB 5660 say they are simply trying to exempt new drink “pouches” that are intended to be frozen then emptied into a glass. However, the language of the bill is much broader and would exempt any beverage container that combines metal with plastic, or plastic with paper.

The Michigan Environmental Council today applauded the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) decision to cut in half the reference value for lead in children’s blood. There is no safe level of lead, and the CDC action is a step in the right direction.

Trains stations across Lower Michigan will host public celebrations of National Train Day this Saturday, with refreshments, displays, proclamations and experts on hand to discuss recent exciting developments in Michigan train travel.

A poll commissioned by MEC shows Michiganders support increased taxes to invest in transportation infrastructure

Dozens of policy experts, elected officials, advocates and citizens will embark on a three-day Michigan Transportation Odyssey Wednesday starting in Detroit, snaking through West Michigan and concluding Friday in Traverse City.

Bills being considered by the Michigan House of Representatives today would drive the state’s composting operations out of business.

The Michigan House of Representatives is debating bills that would rescind the state’s 17-year ban on yard waste in landfills – a move that would cost jobs in the state’s burgeoning compost industry and eliminate an industry that provides valuable, nutrient-dense compost to Michigan homes and businesses.

Content will range from the technical and wonkish to whimsical and irreverent.

Almost 70 percent of Michiganders believe clean energy industries are job creators

Proposed federal transportation bill would hurt Michigan, jeopardize key initiatives

“The Michigan Environmental Council applauds Consumers Energy on its announcement to not move forward with a new coal-fired power plant, and its decision to retire seven smaller units around the state,” said James Clift, policy director of the Michigan Environmental Council. “These decisions are good news for public health in Michigan.”

Bill would have crippled state's ability to protect Great Lakes

Environmental groups blast move to strip Michigan governors of authority to protect Great Lakes and other Pure Michigan treasures

Policy experts, Gov. Rick Snyder address vital role railroad transportation will play in Michigan's 21st century economy

The initiatives embraced by Gov. Rick Snyder in today's special message on transportation and infrastructure will help move Michigan into a 21st Century economy.

Rail Summit partners include the Michigan Environmental Council, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Railroads Association, Michigan Municipal League, Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers and The Right Place Inc.

Hundreds of people from across the country, including members of the Michigan Environmental Council, are in Detroit to discuss the challenges and safeguards for the world's largest freshwater system.

Public transportation experts piece together cumbersome, lengthy trip to call attention to need for more convenient options

New campaign will make Michigan a healthy place for kids to grow and thrive.

A series of Transportation for Michigan (Trans4M) forums across the state will gather public input on improving Michigan's transportation systems.

The Michigan Environmental Council called on the State Legislature to provide greater oversight of Michigan utilities today following the release of a report showing that the state’s oldest coal-fired electricity plants cost Michiganders $1.5 billion annually in health care costs.

A bill passed by the Michigan House would prohibit Michigan from adopting rules more stringent than federal standards unless authorized by statute. The Great Lakes, then, would be subject to the same rules as ponds in Arizona and creeks in New Mexico.

The Helen and William Milliken Distinguished Service Award and the Petoskey Prize for Environmental Leadership are given annually by the Michigan Environmental Council.

Critical passenger transportation programs avoid cuts in budget passed by the Michigan Legislature today

Proposed law would prohibit state from setting protections more stringent than Washington's without legislative approval

More frequent, reliable and affordable transportation options paired with smart, effective investments in upkeep of roads and bridges are among the group's policy goals

Michigan's House Democratic leadership courts rate increases, undermines state's clean energy job growth with support for unnecessary coal plants

Road map to a better future seeks input on goals for 2, 10, 20 and 50 years on the path to a vibrant, sustainable Michigan

The Michigan Legislature has passed restrictions on excess phosphorus in lawn fertilizer. The nutrient accelerates weed and algae growth.

Candidates, moderators, ignore energy, transportation, Great Lakes and every other natural resource issue in hour-long debate

A bill restricting the use of phosphorus in lawn fertilizer will help keep Michigan's lakes and ponds free from runaway algae and weed growth.

Voters intended their money to be used to keep the Great Lakes waters clean; legislators want to use it to clean up contaminated land caused by polluters.

Oil spill highlights need for strong legislative support to establish, fund strong protections for Michigan's natural resources

Complete streets will maximize tools like sidewalks, bike lanes and curb cuts to link people to businesses, public transit and workplaces.

Environmental advocates, Teamsters, and neighborhood residents will march together on Saturday, June 26 to demand the closure of the country’s largest waste incinerator. By engaging in street theater and colorful, positive actions, representatives of Detroit’s pollution-impacted communities will bring attention to the need for a just transition from burning waste, coal and diesel to building a better, cleaner future for Detroiters.

The first in a statewide slate of public forums on Michigan’s passenger rail transportation future will take place Monday, June 14 in Royal Oak from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Woodward Ave. at 11 Mile Road.

MEC's 12th annual Environmental Awards Celebration to honor duo June 9 at a ceremony on the Detroit RiverFront

Postponement of Consumers Energy's proposed Bay City coal-fired power plant is an opportunity to establish cheaper, cleaner energy alternatives for Michigan

Michigan regulators deny permit for proposed 600 megawatt coal-fired power plant in Rogers City, saying the Wolverine Power Cooperative did not consider other alternatives. Public Service Commission estimates it would have cost average residential customer an additional $77 per month.

Federal approval of Cape Cod wind farm opens doors to North American offshore turbines; is a call to action for Michigan legislators

Federal fuel economy standards will benefit Big Three automakers, consumers in Michigan and the Midwest

The Michigan Environmental Council (MEC) today requested the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) investigate deficiencies in Michigan’s implementation of the Clean Air Act. Those deficiencies stem from underfunding of the state’s air program.

Scientific consensus remains solid despite anti-regulation groups' campaign to confuse public and derail policies on climate change

A new study shows that Michigan families would save an average $438 each year on utility bills if strong energy efficiency measures are included as part of the energy bill being debated in the U.S. Senate

Environmental Council's intervention helps return improperly collected money to Consumers Energy electric customers

The White House announced it is allocating $244 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for work on a high speed rail corridor in the lower Lake Michigan region. The Michigan Environmental Council applauds the Obama Administration for making this critical down payment on a prosperous future for our state and our regional economy.

The Michigan Environmental Council (MEC) seeks a full-time Health Policy Director to lead our organization’s efforts to achieve public policy changes that improve the health of Michigan residents by reducing environmental impacts. In addition, we are hiring a Development Associate to help raise the financial resources our organization needs to defend the health and beauty of Michigan’s environment.

Appeal expected in attempt to force regulators to protect Lake Superior and its tributaries

New director combines leadership, administrative experience and passion for state's natural resources

Senate, House send ban with exemptions to the governor

MEC lauds MDOT assessment of Detroit-Chicago rail route improvements that will help make train travel more convenient for commuters and travelers.

The legislature will return to Lansing today to put the final touches on a bill that will keep Michigan’s wetlands program running at the state level for an additional three years. Proposals had been made to send the program back to the federal government to operate on a limited basis.

Michigan’s environmental community today applauded efforts in the Michigan House Great Lakes and the Environment committee to preserve state-based protection of Michigan’s wetlands and Great Lakes waters.

On Saturday, September 12, there will be a press conference and rally to call attention to state budget cuts that threaten the passenger trains serving the Flint and mid-Michigan area. The rally will take place at the Flint Amtrak train station beginning at 6:40 am and continuing until train departure at 7:11 am

Report finds no new coal fired power plants are needed in Michigan for at least 13 years

Cuts to Detroit’s public transit system and those of other Michigan towns are part of a national epidemic making it harder for families and vulnerable citizens to get to jobs and essential services.

The Lansing City Council voted unanimously last night to adopt a Complete Streets and Non-Motorized Plan Ordinance. This is a big victory for cyclists and pedestrians in Lansing, and for the Complete Streets movement in Michigan.

Governor Jennifer Granholm’s Executive Directive (2009-4), released today, reflects the unique consensus on Michigan energy policy reforms reached recently by a diverse group of leaders from manufacturing, automotive industries, utility companies, environmental groups, universities, and government.

One dozen groups file comments urging more thorough consideration of cheaper, cleaner alternatives to Rogers City coal burning plant

Public transit advocates will host bake sales in four Michigan cities Wednesday, July 1 to raise cash in the wake of proposed state budget cuts that would derail Amtrak train routes and cripple bus services vital to connecting Michigan workers with employers. “With more Michiganders losing jobs, income, and the means to afford their own vehicles, public transportation is more important now than ever,” said Megan Owens of Transportation Riders United, Detroit.

Response from Michigan Environmental Council to State Senate’s vote to cede authority to federal government, cripple state environmental protections

The week-long Smart Commute challenge in Lansing witnessed perhaps its most offbeat entry yet when a pair of environmental policy specialists from the Michigan Environmental Council (MEC) canoed the Grand River to reach their Lansing office.

The Michigan Public Service Commission cuts customers' costs for new renewable energy plan and finds clean energy cheaper than new coal. MEC and our allies say costs should come down even further for clean energy.

The Michigan Environmental Council today applauded President Obama’s plan to establish responsible, uniform mileage standards that will slash greenhouse gas pollution from new vehicles and make the nation more energy independent.

Leading environmental organizations filed a brief today calling for the Michigan Public Service Commission (PSC) to reject the energy efficiency and renewable energy plan filed by Consumers Energy. The groups argue the plan costs consumers too much and the energy efficiency plan does not do enough to reduce customers' bills.

Lana Pollack has been chosen for the state's highest environmental honor and Rusty Gates is 2009's citizen hero

The following letter was delivered to State House Speaker Andy Dillon, Minority Leader Kevin Elsenheimer and Gov. Granholm’s office from leading statewide environmental groups. It is a response to a letter to the governor signed by dozens of House members criticizing her recent Clean Energy executive directive. Many of these House members are Clean Energy supporters, but have been grossly misled about the legality, intent, and effect of the governor’s directive. We hope this letter helps set the record straight…or, at least straighter!

Michigan's highways are in abysmal condition. Potholes crater our secondary roads. The undersides of bridges are sheathed with plywood to keep crumbling concrete from striking motorists. There's simply no money to fix problems. So it borders on insulting -- and certainly seems irresponsible -- that Michigan may spend more than $170 million in federal stimulus money to build bigger, wider roads rather than fixing the ones already in desperate straits.

A new era of clean energy jobs and economic development in Michigan has been needlessly threatened by Attorney General Mike Cox’s tortured interpretation of state laws regarding public health and the environment, according to the Michigan Environmental Council and the Sierra Club’s Michigan chapter.

Detroit today joined the growing ranks of cities embracing a green economy and taking the initiative against climate change, committing to cut its greenhouse gas emissions significantly during the next several years.

A flurry of year-end legislation protecting public health and Michigan’s environment passed the Michigan Legislature late Thursday. The measures cap a year of tremendous accomplishments in protecting our Great Lakes, stimulating job creation in the clean energy sector and protecting children from toxics in toys and other products.

Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Michigan Environmental Council and Michigan Community Action Agency Association intervene on behalf of the public interest to win court fight against Michigan Home Builders

Congressional passage of the Great Lakes Compact provides important new protections from large-scale water diversions and a framework for strengthening state water laws, a coalition of Michigan environmental groups said today.

Legislation passed by the Michigan House and Senate today is a significant first step toward creating a new era of clean energy jobs.

Legislation killing billboard control measures could mean thousands more billboards along Michigan’s scenic highways and byways, and should be rejected by the State House of Representatives and/or Gov. Granholm, said the Michigan Environmental Council and Scenic Michigan today.

A bipartisan agreement announced today establishes important and concrete protections for Michigan’s streams and makes water conservation an integral part of the state’s water stewardship efforts.

An energy package passed by the Michigan House of Representatives will mean lower cost, cleaner electricity for Michigan’s future according to analysis by the Michigan Environmental Council.

Legislation requiring state government to purchase renewably generated electricity is a useful first step toward a statewide clean energy policy. But the measure, passed by the Michigan State Senate today, is primarily symbolic because it affects significantly less than 1 percent of the state’s electricity generation.