Michigan Environmental Report
News from Michigan Environmental Council on public policies affecting the health of Michigan's people and environment
DEQ delays final mine decision, sets stage for a nasty holiday gift
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality last week delayed its expected decision on a permit for the Back Forty Project, an open-pit gold, zinc and copper mine proposed for the western Upper Peninsula. Back in September, the agency indicated in a preliminary decision its intent to approve the request from Aquila Resources, opening a final window for the public to weigh in before the final decision set for Dec. 1. The deadline for that final decision has now been pushed back to Dec. 29.
MEC applauds infrastructure recommendations, urges leaders to follow through
The Michigan Environmental Council praised the recommendations put forth Monday by Gov. Rick Snyder's 21st Century Infrastructure Commission and urged policymakers to significantly increase investments to offset years of underfunding for safe drinking water, public transit, clean energy and other components of a healthy Michigan with a high quality of life.
Gov. Snyder appoints MEC president Kolb to public health panel
Michigan Environmental Council President Chris Kolb was appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder last week to a 24-member Public Health Advisory Commission.
MEC launches sustainable agriculture program to make Michigan a good food leader
Proven problem solver Zimnicki joins group as agriculture policy director
The Michigan Environmental Council has launched a new sustainable agriculture program to promote state, local and federal policies that support Michigan in growing a diverse abundance of food while promoting the long-term well-being of our water, wildlife and climate.
Groups praise Michigan's decision to protect Lake Erie
Michigan environmental groups on Thursday praised the state's designation of its portion of the Western Lake Erie Basin as an impaired watershed under the Clean Water Act, a decision with potential to dramatically reduce nutrient pollution and improve water quality.
Four overlooked issues for National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
This is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, which aims to raise awareness to reduce childhood exposure to lead.
Former MEC staffer is driving force behind ambitious plan for regional transit in Southeast Michigan
Ben Stupka is tired. That's no surprise-he and his wife, Laura, have a two-year-old son and a daughter born in August.
GM, Schupan partner to turn Flint water bottles into coats, car parts and more
Environmentalists have never liked plastic water bottles much, but they became indispensable for Flint families during the city's water crisis.