Michigan Environmental Report

On Wednesday, November 8, leading advocates for the Great Lakes and Michigan’s natural resources denounced an effort by Michigan legislators to lower the state’s standards for ballast water treatment against aquatic invasive species. The bill would be a significant step backward from the state’s long history of leadership in protecting the Great Lakes from new aquatic invasive species. The groups spoke out after the Senate Natural Resources Committee approved House Bill 5095 in a vote of 4 to 1—sending it to the full Michigan Senate for consideration.

Traverse City took a leap forward in meeting its ambitious goal of powering 100% of city operations with clean energy on Thursday, October 26 with the opening of the M-72 Solar Project.

Michigan Environmental Council (MEC) Deputy Policy Director Sean Hammond issued the following statement in response to the Senate’s approval of SB 302 and 303 on Thursday, October 19.

Today the State Legislature approved a three-bill package (HB 4781, 4782 and 4783) which creates a framework for the legal operation of electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes) in Michigan. Under the previous law, e-bikes were treated the same as a moped, requiring licensing and insurance.

The health of our Great Lakes shouldn't be put in the hands of the Trump Administration, but earlier this summer the House approved a bill that would block state leaders from doing anything more than the federal bare minimum to protect our environment.

Legislation approved Thursday by a Senate panel would demote the Office of the Governor and put the Great Lakes and public health at risk by blocking state leaders from doing anything more than the bare minimum to protect Michigan's environment and natural resources.

Helen and William Milliken Distinguished Service Award 2017 Recipient

The downtown Detroit of today stands in stark contrast to the Detroit of ten years ago; a new energy pulses through the city's core, a feeling of possibility and hope for a better future. New residents and businesses are moving into formerly blighted buildings. The abandoned industrial sites along the riverfront are being replaced with parks and bicycle paths. A new streetcar is inspiring residents to rethink mobility in the Motor City.

Michigan Environmental Council to honor Matt Cullen & Mark Covington for their contributions to a vibrant, sustainable Detroit Sep 18, 2017 

Matt Cullen, principal at Rock Ventures, CEO of JACK Entertainment and former GM executive, has been named the recipient of Michigan's highest environmental award in recognition of his instrumental role in the sustainable revitalization of downtown Detroit.