Research Reports

This report quantifies the economic burden and health toll that the state’s oldest coal-fired power plants create. It examines pollution from small particulate matter – the main component in smog. The report found that the state’s nine oldest coal plants cost a family of four an average of over $500 per year in expenses and damages associated with increased hospital admissions, premature deaths and treatments for asthma, respiratory ailments, and cardiovascular problems, among others. The study also estimated national impacts of Michigan’s old coal power plants, finding that they are responsible for $5.4 billion in health care costs – mostly in the Great Lakes region where much of the pollution falls out. Those plants began operation between 1949 and 1968 and are among the most polluting and least efficient in the state.

A letter to Michigan’s Congressional delegation from Michigan college, university, agency and NGO researchers regarding the Clean Air Act and greenhouse gas emissions. --- As scientists, researchers, and concerned citizens of the great state of Michigan, we are writing to urge all members of our delegation to stand up for clean air, clean water and the future of Michigan’s economy. We strongly urge you to reject any measure that would block or delay the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from protecting the people of Michigan from air pollution and human caused climate change, both of which put public health, agriculture, the environment and our economy at risk.

The Vision outlines goals – and intermediate steps – to get Michigan to a year 2060 where energy needs are met cleanly and affordably; thriving centers of commerce prosper in harmony with our Great Lakes and other natural assets; and people thrive in dynamic neighborhoods that have easy access to efficient transportation options, healthy local food and cultural amenities.

This action guide published by MEC member group Alliance for the Great Lakes explains how stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, and fertilizers contribute to beach closings and water quality problems, and shares how you can help your Great Lakes shoreline.

Walking on streets designed more for speeding cars than for people on foot can be deadly. More than 4,500 Americans died last year while crossing the street or walking to school, a bus stop, or the grocery store.

This print and audio webinar will help you learn about Michigan’s new water withdrawal laws and how those involved with stewardship of our water resources can play a part in the water withdrawal decision making process. The workshop is designed for three audiences: 1) local water-resource advocates (watershed groups, lake associations, environmental groups, etc.); 2) local governmental planning and zoning practitioners; and 3) community/economic development officers in local governments.

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. A report released today by the Michigan Environmental Council, MOSES (Metropolitan Organizing Strategy Enabling Strength), and Transportation Riders United shows that outdated federal regulations are putting strain on local transit agencies around the country. The results are layoffs, draconian service cuts and fare increases at a time when Americans desperately need jobs and affordable transportation. The report was sponsored by Transportation for America and the Transportation Equity Network and released by the trio of local groups. Those groups called on Gov. Jennifer Granholm to secure a public transportation funding source and support restoration of funding for train and bus services that the State House and Senate has cut; and on the state’s Congressional delegation to support H.R. 2746 which allows public transit agencies greater flexibility in using part of their federal funds for operating expenses.

Pesticides are chemicals used to kill plants, insects, rodents, and other pests. Pesticide exposure in children is linked to increases in cancer, hyperactivity, developmental delays, behavior problems including ADHD, and physical limitations. Learn simple steps to protect your family from exposure to pesticides.

Michigan can boost our economy, fulfill the transportation needs of all Michiganders, and start creating a successful, attractive state, if we make significant investments in transit throughout Michigan. This report details why these investments are critical, what a high quality Michigan transit system would entail, and key steps to achieving it.

The Upper Peninsula’s unique identity could be changing as commercial forest ownership changes signal a break with the past, according to a report released today by university researchers and conservation groups in Michigan. The region’s constants – wide open spaces accessible to the public, sustainably managed forests and an economic foundation of forest industries and tourism – need better incentives to remain in place for future generations, the report concludes.

Michigan stands at a critical energy crossroads. Traditional sources of energy continue to become more risky and expensive. Inevitable restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions promise to escalate energy costs for years to come. However, there is reason for optimism in Michigan.

The “Dollars and Sense of Smart Growth” is a series exploring some of the real-world consequences—and the financial impacts—of the commonplace land use decisions being made in communities across the state.

Stormwater runoff carries pollution straight into Michigan’s lakes, rivers, and streams. In Michigan’s coastal regions, development patterns impact the quality, quantity and velocity of stormwater runoff entering the Great Lakes. New federal requirements based on the Clean Water Act require communities to address this increasing problem. Many Michigan communities are establishing plans to address stormwater runoff, today and into the future.

Michigan's Great Lakes coastline is a magnet for development, drawing people and businesses at a brisk pace that outstrips the growth of inland communities. But fragmented and disjointed planning on the coasts is overseen by more than 400 separate jurisdictions, a confusing checkerboard of often contradictory and counterproductive rules, zoning laws and long-range plans.

Repulsive, potentially toxic clumps of algae are likely to reappear this summer to plague swimmers and beachcombers from the bays of Grand Traverse to the shores of Lake Erie. The troubling return of algae is a throwback to the days when rampant pollution of the Great Lakes led researchers to declare Lake Erie "dead" in the 1970s. And it is a warning that the state can not afford to ignore, concludes a report released by the Michigan Environmental Council. "Something's Amuck: Algae blooms return to Michigan shores" illustrates how invasive species, combined with legal loopholes that encourage phosphorus pollution, have opened the door for algae's comeback.

Context sensitive solutions (CSS) is a new approach to transportation policy. CSS programs -- now underway in numerous states across the U.S. -- are meant to improve the way that transportation projects get envisioned, planned and built. Michigan Environmental Council conducted research and produced this report to provide community leaders with case studies and recommendations to help them implement CSS in their planning processes. Based on our research, we outline ten critical points to follow for a successful CSS program in Michigan.

Each of the ten states described in our research is implementing context sensitive solutions (CSS) through new policies on project development, staff training, conferences, research, and community outreach and involvement. Taken together, they provide a template for success and offer guidelines for building a program in Michigan.

MDOT currently has programs in place that can serve as starting points for developing a fully integrated context sensitive solutions (CSS) program. Among them are programs that focus on safety and balancing the flow of traffic (Access Management), historical features (Heritage Routes), and creative technological solutions for transportation problems (Intelligent Transportation Systems).

Polluted stormwater runoff is one of the nation's leading threats to clean water. Rain and snowmelt running over parking lots, roofs, over-fertilized lawns and open construction sites wash dirt, chemicals and bacteria into the water we drink. Communities across Michigan are developing plans to comply with federal stormwater reduction requirements. Smart Growth tools can help Michigan communities find their own, unique ways to address the water quality impacts of land use changes, development and stormwater runoff.

Brief review of Michigan water law -- slides

Tutorial on some key hydrologic terms and concepts -- slide presentation -- slides

Water withdrawal assessment science, using state-of-the-art online tools, including 1) stream-flow estimation; 2) impact assessment of flow reductions on fish habitat; and 3) modeling groundwater – surface water interactions -- slides

The Great Lakes Compact: why Michigan is regulating large-quantity water withdrawals -- PDF with slides & audio

Overview of regional groundwater and surface water resources: Upper Peninsula -- slides

Review of the environmental criteria now used to assess “adverse resource impacts” -- slides

Overview of regional groundwater and surface water resources: Northern Lower Peninsula -- slides

Overview of regional groundwater and surface water resources: West - Southwest Lower Peninsula -- slides

Overview of regional groundwater and surface water resources: Southeast Lower Peninsula -- slides

Overview of the Water Withdrawal Assessment Tool (WWAT)

Example uses of the WWAT for sustainable community planning and development

Employment opportunity -- position description

Employment opportunity -- position description

Employment opportunity -- position description

The Michigan Environmental Council (MEC) seeks a full-time Land Programs and Sustainable Communities Director to lead our organization’s efforts to promote Sustainable Communities strategies through public policy reform. This position utilizes a range of skills and relationships to rebuild Michigan’s cities and small towns, protect forests and farmland, create more transportation choices and promote neighborhood revitalization. This position will be based in MEC’s Lansing, Michigan headquarters, and will regularly work with MEC’s Detroit office. Applications are due by the close of business on February 25, 2011.