Michigan Environmental Report

This Michigan Environmental Council analysis outlines all Michigan utilities' commitments to shut-off moratoriums, reconnecting services and financial protections during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Download the report

April 22 is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. While the COVID-19 pandemic means no one is holding large, in-person parties, it is not stopping member groups from hosting virtual and at-home events that serve as extensions of their missions and celebrations of Earth Day’s mission of environmental protection. Below are some great events and activities our member organizations are hosting. We hope you will join in the celebration!

Michigan Environmental Council’s board of directors is composed of 17 members who are committed to Michigan’s environment and whose experiences and perspectives make them champions of it. At-large member Tony Ambroza, chief brand officer of Carhartt, is supporting his company's new effort to protect human health by producing gowns and masks for COVID-19 first responders.

The Michigan Public Service Commission announced Wednesday it would hold Michigan’s rate-regulated and cooperative electric and gas utilities accountable by calling on them to adopt minimum protections for their customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Waking up warm and comfortable. Pouring milk for cereal. Logging your child into online schoolwork. Making stir fry over the stove. Listening to the news on the radio.

This is a snapshot of what many Michiganders likely experience each day as they stay at home protecting themselves and their community from COVID-19. It is not the case, however, for thousands of Michiganders and potentially thousands more.

New animal waste regulations came into effect Wednesday after more than three months of review by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Michigan Environmental Council, member group Environmentally Concerned Citizens of South Central Michigan (ECCSCM) and other allies worked together to urge more stringent requirements during the draft proposal process, some of which took effect.

“Man, Isaac was crazy,” said MEC CEO Conan Smith, who knew Representative Robinson for more than two decades. “He was just crazy for justice.” MEC is so saddened to learn of the tragic death of State Representative Isaac Robinson yesterday. Rep. Robinson was a powerful advocate for his constituents. His passion for doing the right thing on behalf of his community -- the residents of the City of Detroit -- was truly inspiring. 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order Saturday requiring water reconnections to homes that have been disconnected due to nonpayment or damaged infrastructure and allocating $2 million in state grants to local utilities to cover associated costs. Conan Smith, president and CEO of Michigan Environmental Council, issued the following statement on the order.