michigan
Newsletter
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Newaygo, Michigan, plastics facility sparks concerns over pollution and climate impact
Plans to build a chemical recycling facility in Newaygo, Michigan, have raised environmental and regulatory questions about its impact on the community.
Anne McNeil, Aleksandr V. Zhukhovitskiy, and Yutan Getzler write for The Conversation.
In short:
- The Newaygo facility will convert plastic waste into fuels through pyrolysis, which emits greenhouse gases and pollutants.
- Michigan law classifies chemical recycling as manufacturing, allowing the plant to bypass stricter pollution controls.
- Experts argue that turning plastics into fuel worsens climate change and fails to qualify as true recycling.
Why this matters:
Burning plastic-derived fuels exacerbates air pollution and climate change. Labeling such processes as recycling may mislead the public while undermining efforts to promote sustainable waste management solutions.
Learn more: Chemical recycling grows — along with concerns about its environmental impacts
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Credit: Rebecca Humann/Pixabay
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.
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.
Read more: Derrick Z. Jackson: Natural gas vs. renewable energy — beware the latest gas industry talking points
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Newsletter
Michigan aids workers in clean energy shift
To support the transition to clean energy, Michigan's Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has established an office to help workers move from fossil fuel jobs to renewable energy roles.
In short:
- Michigan aims for 100% clean energy, transitioning auto production from gas to electric vehicles.
- The new Community and Worker Economic Transition Office, funded federally, aids manufacturers and workers in adapting to renewable energy jobs.
- Collaboration with federal programs enhances workforce training and resource allocation for economic transitions.
Key quote:
“We know that we’re going to have clean energy transitions that are gonna take us years and decades to fully employ. So what we can do is we can create these opportunities to identify the communities and workers that are most vulnerable to change, and then deliver opportunities to the businesses in those communities so that they don’t ever face that economic harm.”
— Jonathan Smith, senior chief deputy director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
Why this matters:
The transition to clean energy can prevent economic harm in communities reliant on fossil fuels by creating new jobs and training opportunities. Proactive strategies help ensure that workers and businesses can adapt to and benefit from these changes.
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Credit: Jonathan Chng/Unsplash
Michigan's water extraction issue continues despite promises
In Michigan, unchecked water extraction by a major corporation is raising red flags about environmental sustainability and social equity, especially as communities such as Flint struggle with ongoing water quality crises.
In short:
- Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer promised to crack down on water extraction by bottled water companies but little has changed six years into her administration.
- Nestle, now BlueTriton Brands, continues to extract groundwater at minimal costs despite public opposition and legislative attempts to restrict it.
- The state has yet to pass significant water protection laws, even though Democrats now control both legislative houses.
Key quote:
"They’re getting all the breaks. Our concerns don’t seem to be heard."
— Steve Petoskey, Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation board member
Why this matters:
Environmental advocates argue that this extraction is not only inequitable but also unsustainable. The removal of massive volumes of water can deplete local aquifers, impacting ecosystems, wildlife, and the long-term availability of water for residents and agriculture. This concern is particularly acute as climate change alters precipitation patterns and increases the frequency of droughts, making water an even more precious resource.
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Newsletter
Michigan’s community solar project demonstrates potential for broader impact
A community solar project in Michigan's Upper Peninsula shows how renewable energy initiatives can achieve both economic and social goals.
In short:
- The L'Anse solar array, with 340 panels, powers around 50 households or organizations.
- A $140,000 state grant subsidized 25 low-to-moderate income households, reducing their electricity bills and financial stress.
- The project, despite limited state support and low sunlight, succeeded due to community involvement and diverse funding.
Key quote:
“In its ideal form, community solar can be a mechanism for advancing energy justice.”
— Karl Hoesch, University of Michigan doctoral student
Why this matters:
Community solar projects like the one in L'Anse can serve as models for small towns, promoting energy justice and financial benefits. With increased funding from initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act, more communities could replicate this success.
Did you know? Swapping out coal energy for solar would prevent 52,000 premature deaths in the United States every year.
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Michigan to seek damages from oil companies for climate impacts
Michigan's Attorney General Dana Nessel is initiating a lawsuit against fossil fuel companies to recover losses due to climate change impacts, marking a significant legal move.
In short:
- Dana Nessel aims to hold oil companies financially accountable for their role in exacerbating climate change, which has affected Michigan's economy and lifestyle.
- The state plans to join other governments in litigation efforts, seeking to compensate for damages like severe weather and economic downturns.
- External legal teams are being solicited to support the extensive legal battle, with a potential to secure billions in damages.
Key quote:
"It’s long past time that we step up and hold the fossil fuel companies that are responsible for all these damages accountable."
— Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General
Why this matters:
This legal move mirrors a growing trend where states leverage the judicial system to address environmental and public health issues directly tied to climate change. By focusing on the fossil fuel industry, which has historically played a significant role in greenhouse gas emissions, Nessel aims to not only secure financial compensation for the state but also push for greater corporate accountability and transparency in environmental practices.
Also see:
- How the car and gas industry knew about the health risks of leaded fuel but sold it for 100 years anyway.
- Plaintiffs in the recently dismissed Held vs Montana argue: “We are entitled to a ‘clean and healthful’ environment. Montana’s policies are endangering that.”
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Michigan nuclear plant gets a financial boost for revival
A significant federal loan guarantee has been provided to restart a nuclear power plant in Michigan, signaling a shift in the U.S. energy strategy.
In short:
- The Biden administration offers a $1.52 billion loan to Holtec International for the Palisades plant in Michigan, aiming to keep it operational until 2051.
- This initiative is part of a broader push to sustain and rejuvenate the nuclear energy sector in the U.S., amidst concerns about aging infrastructure and the high costs of constructing new plants.
- Nuclear energy, a key player in the carbon-free electricity game, is seen as essential for meeting future energy demands without exacerbating climate change.
Key quote:
"Nuclear power is our single largest source of carbon-free electricity, directly supporting 100,000 jobs across the country and hundreds of thousands more indirectly."
— Jennifer M. Granholm, U.S. Energy Secretary
Why this matters:
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, passed in 2021, allocates billions of dollars towards modernizing America's power infrastructure, with a significant portion earmarked for advancing nuclear technology. This includes funding for the development of small modular reactors, which are seen as a safer, more flexible, and cost-effective option compared to traditional large reactors.
Small-scale clean energy and low carbon technologies—such as solar panels, smart appliances and electric bicycles—are more likely to push society toward meeting climate goals than large-scale technologies, according to a 2020 study from a team of international researchers.
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