Michigan's clean energy push faces challenges from natural gas plants

Michigan regulators must decide how to balance newly built natural gas plants in the Upper Peninsula with the state's 2040 clean energy goals.

Izzy Ross reports for Grist.

In short:

Michigan's new clean energy laws aim for 100% clean electricity by 2040 but face obstacles from natural gas plants in the Upper Peninsula.
These plants, built just five years ago to replace coal, are now under scrutiny for their long-term impact on clean energy targets.
Regulators are exploring options like carbon capture and renewable energy to meet the state's goals.

Key quote:

“These units serve that critical function in a part of the state with limited transmission access.”

— Brendan Conway, spokesperson for Upper Michigan Energy Resources Corporation

Why this matters:

The future of Michigan's energy grid depends on reducing reliance on natural gas, but in rural areas like the Upper Peninsula, replacing these plants is complex. The decision will impact electricity costs, grid reliability, and the region's environmental footprint.

grist.org

Michigan's clean energy push faces challenges from natural gas plants

COP31 host Türkiye is home to one of Europe's largest solar farms. Why can’t it kick coal?

Disaster-prone communities face cuts and slowdowns in federal help

Why the blue wave brings new hope for clean energy

What experts think the Democratic blue wave will mean for climate action

Oil companies spent over $2M on Meta ads in the lead-up to the midterms

Oregon judge allows Multnomah County climate lawsuit against fossil fuel giants to advance

How Marlon Brando’s private island inspired a plan to suck carbon pollution from the air

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.