Michigan Environmental Report

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made Michigan a national leader in the climate change fight Tuesday when she signed landmark legislation into law.

Her signature on the bills was the apex of a goal she made clear: a clean energy future. During her tenure, she launched the MI Healthy Climate Plan, invested in electric vehicle production, and called for legislative action.

Michigan’s fight against climate change took a huge leap forward last night as the Michigan House of Representatives approved landmark legislation advancing renewable energy generation, helping consumers save energy at home, and creating the foundation for a just transition to clean energy.

By Abby Wallace

This month I was very pleased to be able to profile one of our newest member organizations, though we have worked in alliance with them for years. A huge welcome to the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center (GLELC) to the Michigan Environmental Council family! Executive Director Nick Leonard was kind enough to sit down with me and share his insights about the GLELC’s history, mission, and current projects.

Climate progress took a major step forward Thursday afternoon.

The Michigan Senate voted Senate bills 271, 273 and 502 out of its chamber in a 20-18 vote. The Clean Energy Future legislation would require utility companies to produce 100% clean energy by 2040, increase utility energy efficiency, and require the state's utility regulator to emphasize climate, affordability, and equity in its decisions.

Thousands of Michigan children are at risk of lead poisoning. They'll soon be protected at the places where they spend much of their days.

On Thursday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law “Filter First” legislation: three bills that will require the installation of lead water filters in all schools and childcare centers. Costs will be offset by $50 million dollars set aside (so far) in the state budget.

By Ellen Vial

Conserving land in southeast Michigan is no small task. Not only is the state’s most developed region home to some of the most polluting industries in the country; keeping contiguous, natural parcels out of the hands of developers requires diligent effort. Lucky for us at the Environmental Council, Jill Lewis, executive director of our member group Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy (SMLC), is an expert.

Michigan made a transformational step in ending lead poisoning today when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law expanded testing.

Senate Bill 31, sponsored by Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint), and House Bill 4200, sponsored by Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) would incorporate two lead tests into the checkup routines of all Michigan children. If lead is detected, children would be treated accordingly and tested more often. 

Lloyd's hair stopped growing. Then it began to fall out. Dirt-like spots appeared on his feet. He was five then, learning to read and paint and make friends.

So Lloyd's grandma, TaNiccia Henry, took Lloyd to the doctor and requested a lead test. With the prick of a finger, she found out Lloyd had lead levels seven times over what's legally safe. Although, as Henry and health professionals will tell you, no amount really is.