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“Poisonous Ponds: Tackling Toxic Coal Ash” featured on One Detroit program

A special segment for Detroit Public Television’s public affairs program, “One Detroit,” features Great Lakes Now’s collaborative reporting project about coal ash.

A toxic substance, coal ash is what’s left over after burning coal. While the use of coal is declining across the Great Lakes region, the ash that remains from decades of producing energy with it is a problem.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/08/poisonous-ponds-featured-on-one-detroit-program/

GLN Editor

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In: activism, Advocacy, Chicago, coal ash, Coal Ash Project, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Michigan, Municipalities, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Coal ash contaminating groundwater near Joliet to stay, despite residents’ and activists’ concerns

Joliet, Illinois, a city of about 150,000 people southwest of Chicago, has long depended on a deep sandstone aquifer for drinking water – an increasingly strained resource that city officials hope to supplement with a billion-dollar pipeline from Lake Michigan.

But while this highly publicized search for a new source of municipal water unfolds, some residents who rely on private well water face a different threat.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/08/coal-ash-contaminating-groundwater-near-joliet-to-stay/

Sarah Aie

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In: Agriculture, bitcoin, coal ash, Coal Ash Project, cryptocurrency, Environmental Justice, epa, Equity and Environmental Justice, groundwater, Groundwater Contamination, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Mining, New York, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research, Tourism, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wells
In the Finger Lakes, a bitcoin mining plant billed as ‘green’ has a dirty coal ash problem

The village of Dresden is nestled amid charming vineyards and the placid blue waters of Seneca Lake, the largest of Upstate New York’s Finger Lakes. 

Wineries, breweries, dairy farms, and state parks dot the lake’s shoreline, making it a picture-perfect vacation destination.

But for local residents, the three auburn-colored smokestacks of Greenidge Generation’s plant towering above the trees are an unnerving reminder that their natural resources are at risk.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/08/bitcoin-mining-plant-dirty-coal-ash-problem/

Sruthi Gopalakrishnan

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In: Chicago, Climate change, coal ash, Coal Ash Project, contamination, data, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, epa, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Groundwater Contamination, History and Culture, Illinois, Indiana, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Leaking landfills: Unregulated coal ash poses a buried, brewing threat to Lake Michigan and beyond, new lawsuit says

At almost 300 sites on the Great Lakes and coast to coast, unregulated buried and landfilled coal ash is putting water supplies at risk, alleges a federal lawsuit filed August 25. 

This threat is in addition to contamination from up to 700 coal ash repositories that are covered by 2015 federal coal ash rules.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/08/unregulated-coal-ash-poses-brewing-threat-to-lake-michigan/

Diana Leane and Sarah Aie

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In: Article, Blue Economy, Climate change, Energy News Roundup, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Equity and Environmental Justice, Illinois, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The Provinces, The States
Energy News Roundup: Green jobs, solar farms and the value of trees

Keep up with energy-related developments in the Great Lakes area with Great Lakes Now’s biweekly headline roundup.

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois

Solar, storage projects set to bring jobs, tax revenue to Illinois coal communities — Energy News Network

Six retired coal plants in downstate Illinois will soon receive solar panels and become renewable energy storage sites.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/07/energy-news-roundup/

Kathy Johnson

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In: Climate change, Detroit, environmental equity, Environmental Justice, equity, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Feature Lead, health, housing, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News
When your home is filled with hazards, what can you do?

Poor housing conditions can have an effect on people’s health both mentally and physically by posing a threat to the family or individual living there, especially for young children and babies.

The health and wellbeing of residents are impacted especially in areas where there’s both industry and older housing.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/07/home-hazards-what-can-you-do/

Tynnetta Harris

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In: Budget, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, Drinking Water, environmental equity, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
New laws make it easier for communities to access state financing for water infrastructure

By Lester Graham, Michigan Radio

Bipartisan legislation to help cities get money to fix their water systems has been signed by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

A lot of Michigan’s drinking water systems are in bad shape.

“We have been very behind in maintaining and upgrading our infrastructure across the state,” Charlotte Jameson with the Michigan Environmental Council.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/07/new-laws-community-access-water-infrastructure/

Michigan Radio

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In: AP, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Feature Lead, flint, governor rick snyder, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The States, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Court kills Flint water charges against ex-governor, others

By Ed White, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court on Tuesday threw out charges against former Gov. Rick Snyder and others in the Flint water scandal, saying a judge sitting as a one-person grand jury had no power to issue indictments under rarely used state laws.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/ap-court-kills-flint-water-charges-ex-governor/

The Associated Press

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In: Alex Hill, Detroit, Equity and Environmental Justice, health, Indiana, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, mapping, Michigan, New York, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Mapping the Great Lakes: How old are our cities?

Love staring at a map and discovering something interesting? Then “Mapping the Great Lakes” is for you. It’s a monthly Great Lakes Now feature created by Alex B. Hill, a self-described “data nerd and anthropologist” who combines cartography, data, and analytics with storytelling and human experience.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/mapping-great-lakes-cities/

Alex Hill

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In: canada, Collaboration, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, First Nations, History and Culture, indigenous communities, Latest News, News, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Tribal Governments and First Nations, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Living water: Northern Indigenous communities’ use and perceptions of drinking water

By Mylène Ratelle, University of Waterloo, and Jessie Yakeleya, Sahtu Renewable Resources Board, The Conversation

 is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.

In Indigenous communities that have lacked access to safe water for years, getting access to a safe water supply is crucial.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/northern-indigenous-communities-drinking-water/

The Conversation

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In: Advocacy, Climate change, Detroit, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The States, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan Gov. Whitmer’s plan needs to move from aspiration to action, says Detroit climate advocate

In February 2021, Detroit’s Michelle Martinez was excited like she hadn’t been in years about the potential of progress on core environmental and climate justice issues.

President Donald Trump, who took the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Accords and was rolling back Obama-era environmental protections, was out of office.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/michigan-gov-plan-action/

Gary Wilson

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In: Advocacy, Collaboration, data, Detroit, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, mapping, Michigan, Municipalities, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
As agencies seek more environmental justice data, longtime residents are skeptical

By Eleanore Catolico, Energy News Network

This story was first published on the Energy News Network and was republished here with permission.

This article is co-published by the Energy News Network and Planet Detroit with support from the Race and Justice Reporting Initiative at the Damon J.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/agencies-environmental-data-residents/

Energy News Network

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Climate change, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Equity and Environmental Justice, History and Culture, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Mining, Minnesota, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, renewable energy, Tribal Governments and First Nations, Tribal Voices
In Minnesota, the PolyMet mine pits renewable energy needs against tribes and the EPA

By Diana Kruzman, Grist

This story was originally published by Grist. You can subscribe to its weekly newsletter here.

Northeastern Minnesota’s Iron Range has been a major mining hub since the 1860s. Nestled among thick forests and many of the state’s famed “10,000 lakes,” open-pit mines there produce low-grade iron ore that’s shipped to steel mills around the country.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/minnesota-polymet-mine-renewable-energy-tribes/

Grist

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In: AP, Budget, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, legislation, Municipalities, News, Pennsylvania, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The States, water, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Pennsylvania public water utilities say Senate bill will force up rates

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Legislation criticized by opponents as a vehicle for-profit water companies to take over municipal water authorities in Pennsylvania by imposing expensive regulations on them passed the Republican-controlled state Senate on Tuesday.

Opponents also warned that the bill will precipitate ratepayer increases when water authorities must meet the new regulations or after they are forced to sell out to for-profit water companies.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/ap-pennsylvania-senate-bill-rates/

The Associated Press

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In: Cleveland, Collaboration, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, mapping, News, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Mapping tools help Ohio cities chart course for environmental justice

By Kathiann M. Kowalski, Energy News Network

This story was first published on the Energy News Network and was republished here with permission.

Ohio cities are using new data mapping tools to identify and respond to disparities in energy burdens, climate risks, and pollution impacts.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/mapping-tools-ohio-environmental-justice/

Energy News Network

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In: AP, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Groundwater Contamination, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Pressure growing to remove PFAS from fast food wrappers

By Michael Casey, Associated Press

BOSTON (AP) — Brenda Hampton first came across the toxic industrial compound PFAS after finding it was part of the cocktail of contaminants that tainted the drinking water in her North Alabama community.

Hampton, who believes the contaminated water contributed to kidney problems she and other residents suffer, soon learned the chemicals were found in another source that hit close to home — fast food wrappers, boxes and plates.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/ap-pressure-growing-remove-pfas-wrappers/

The Associated Press

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In: Budget, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Municipalities, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, water, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Water's True Cost
Water’s True Cost

By J. Carl Ganter, Circle of Blue

This story is part of “Water’s True Cost,” a series by the Great Lakes News Collaborative focused on the rising cost of water in Michigan and the various causes leading to the state of water systems today. Find the rest of the stories in the series here.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/05/waters-true-cost/

Circle of Blue

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In: Climate change, Collaboration, dams, Equity and Environmental Justice, hydropower, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Dam Accounting: Taking Stock of Methane Emissions From Reservoirs

By Tara Lohan, The Revelator

This story originally appeared in The Revelator and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.

This month regulators greenlighted a transmission line that would bring power generated from Canadian hydroelectric dams to New York City.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/05/stock-methane-emissions-reservoirs/

The Revelator

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In: Andrew Reeves, Budget, canada, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, infrastructure, lake erie, Lake Ontario, Lake St. Clair, Lake Superior, Latest News, News, Ontario, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research, The Provinces, Toronto, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, water, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Even in Canada, where water prices are low, aging infrastructure and rising costs are a problem

This is part one in a two-part series looking at the cost of water in Ontario. Find the Great Lakes News Collaborative’s series on cost of water in Michigan here.

Canadians living in the Great Lakes basin have perhaps become spoiled at the seemingly endless availability of water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/05/canada-aging-infrastructure-rising-costs/

Andrew Reeves

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In: Algae Blooms, clean water, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, flint, Gary Wilson, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, New York, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, The States, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, water infrastructure, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Water executive tells cities to “get creative” when it comes to replacing lead service lines

Lynn Broaddus has little patience for cities who focus on the reasons why they can’t replace lead service lines.

She understands that finances are a big part of the problem but says too often cities focus on the barriers, instead of what’s possible.

Broaddus is the recent past-president and now a trustee with the international group Water Environment Federation, a non-profit focused on increasing the awareness of the impact and value of water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/05/water-executive-creative-replacing-lead-service-lines/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Climate change, Energy, Energy News Roundup, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Equity and Environmental Justice, Illinois, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Michigan, Minnesota, Municipalities, Natasha Blakely, New York, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin
Energy News Roundup: Numerous Great Lakes states grapple with outages and rising rates

Keep up with energy-related developments in the Great Lakes area with Great Lakes Now’s biweekly headline roundup.

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Warnings of summer brownouts downstate spur scrutiny of Pritzker’s energy law – Crain’s Chicago Business

Electricity costs will soar beginning in June in central and southern Illinois, due to inadequate power supplies following coal-fired plant closures.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/05/energy-news-roundup-numerous-great-lakes-outages-rising-rates/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Budget, clean water, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Municipalities, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The States, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Some Michigan water systems are overbuilt, underfunded. Are mergers the answer?

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

This story is part of “Water’s True Cost,” a series by the Great Lakes News Collaborative focused on the rising cost of water in Michigan and the various causes leading to the state of water systems today. Find the rest of the stories in the series here.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/05/michigan-water-systems-overbuilt-underfunded/

Bridge Michigan

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In: Collaboration, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Lead, Forever Chemicals Featured, Indiana, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, News, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The States, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Indiana Finance Authority COO Testifies at House Drinking Water Hearing

By Enrique Saenz, Indiana Environmental Reporter

Federal funding mechanisms for improving Indiana’s water infrastructure work but need more flexibility to help eliminate lead service lines, PFAS and other issues, according to testimony from one of the state’s top finance officials.

Jim McGoff, Indiana Finance Authority chief operating officer and director of environmental programs, testified March 29 before the U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/05/indiana-finance-authority-house-drinking-water-hearing/

Indiana Environmental Reporter

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In: Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Lead, flint, lawsuit, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Flint residents get extension to file claims over bad water

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A judge granted a seven-week extension Monday to file claims for a share of $626 million settlement over Flint’s lead-contaminated water.

U.S. District Judge Judith Levy approved a request to stretch the May 12 deadline to June 30.

“Although it is clear that all involved are working diligently to compile the information and documentation necessary to support claims, some claimants have experienced delays or difficulties in obtaining certain required documents,” Levy said, quoting a summary by special master Deborah Greenspan.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/05/flint-residents-extension-file-claims/

The Associated Press

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In: Advocacy, Budget, Detroit, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, water affordability, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Water's True Cost
High Cost of Water Hits Home

By Brett Walton, Circle of Blue

This story is part of “Water’s True Cost,” a series by the Great Lakes News Collaborative focused on the rising cost of water in Michigan and the various causes leading to the state of water systems today. Find the rest of the stories in the series here.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/05/high-cost-water-hits-home-michigan/

Circle of Blue

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In: Algae Blooms, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Forests and Plants, Groundwater Contamination, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Municipalities, News, Science, Technology, Research, septic systems, sewage, sewage infrastructure, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan’s lack of septic system regulations is causing problems for some of its most pristine lakes

By Lester Graham, Michigan Radio

This story is part of “Water’s True Cost,” a series by the Great Lakes News Collaborative focused on the rising cost of water in Michigan and the various causes leading to the state of water systems today. Find the rest of the stories in the series here.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/05/michigans-septic-system-problems-lakes/

Michigan Radio

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In: Budget, Drinking Water, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Feature Lead, flint, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, lead pipes, Michigan, Municipalities, Natasha Blakely, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, The States, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan’s 20th Century water systems too big for its shrinking city populations

This story is part of “Water’s True Cost,” a series by the Great Lakes News Collaborative focused on the rising cost of water in Michigan and the various causes leading to the state of water systems today. Find the rest of the stories in the series here.

In 2014, the legacy problem of lead pipes throughout the nation came to a head in Flint, Michigan, when the city emergency manager’s decision to switch the water source and not treat it to prevent corrosion led to lead leaching from the pipes into the city’s drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/05/michigans-water-systems-city-populations/

Natasha Blakely

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In: benton harbor, Budget, development, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, flint, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Municipalities, News, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, The States, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Water's True Cost
Water woes loom for Michigan suburbs, towns after decades of disinvestment

By Kelly House

This story is part of “Water’s True Cost,” a series by the Great Lakes News Collaborative focused on the rising cost of water in Michigan and the various causes leading to the state of water systems today. Find the rest of the stories in the series here.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/05/water-woes-michigan-suburbs-disinvestment/

Bridge Michigan

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In: Advocacy, Budget, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, fund, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Municipalities, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, rural, The States, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Many Rural Towns Have Neglected Drinking Water Systems for Decades

By Lester Graham

This story is part of “Water’s True Cost,” a series by the Great Lakes News Collaborative focused on the rising cost of water in Michigan and the various causes leading to the state of water systems today. Find the rest of the stories in the series here.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/05/rural-towns-drinking-water-systems/

Michigan Radio

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In: clean water, Detroit, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, flint, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Municipalities, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The States, water, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Water's True Cost
After Decades of Neglect, Bill Coming Due for Michigan’s Water Infrastructure

This story is part of “Water’s True Cost,” a series by the Great Lakes News Collaborative focused on the rising cost of water in Michigan and the various causes leading to the state of water systems today. Find the rest of the stories in the series here.

PONTIAC, Mich.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/05/bill-michigans-water-infrastructure/

Circle of Blue

On:
In: AP, Drinking Water, Earth Day, Earth Week, Equity and Environmental Justice, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, The States, Wisconsin
Evers creates new office of environmental justice

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers on Friday signed an executive order creating a new office of environmental justice, announcing the move on Earth Day.

Republicans last year removed the office from Evers’ proposed budget. But the Democrat up for reelection this November got around them by creating it through an executive order.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/04/ap-evers-office-environmental-justice/

The Associated Press

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In: Advocacy, AP, Climate change, Earth Day, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research
Cleaner Earth: Healing ozone hole, less smog, more eagles

By Seth Borenstein, AP Science Writer

With climate change, plastic pollution and a potential sixth mass extinction, humanity has made some incredible messes in the world.

But when people, political factions and nations have pulled together, they have also cleaned up some of those human-caused environmental problems, including healing the ozone hole, clearing perpetually smoggy air and saving many species from the brink of extinction.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/04/ap-healing-ozone-hole-smog-eagles/

The Associated Press

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In: Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Michigan, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, News, Pennsylvania, PFAS, PFAS News Roundup, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Pennsylvania sets regulations, judge says Wisconsin DNR can’t regulate, Chemours uses climate change to defend PFAS

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/04/pfas-news-roundup-pennsylvania-regulations-climate-change-defend/

Natasha Blakely

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In: benton harbor, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Feature Lead, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The Catch, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
The Catch: Benton Harbor’s lead pipes and the plan to replace them

Broadcasting in our monthly PBS television program, The Catch is a Great Lakes Now series that brings you more news about the lakes you love. Go beyond the headlines with reporters from around the region who cover the lakes and drinking water issues. Find all the work HERE.

Benton Harbor’s water problems aren’t new.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/04/the-catch-benton-harbor-lead-pipes/

Sandra Svoboda

On:
In: benton harbor, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Feature Lead, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
State praised for vow to remove sources of lead from Benton Harbor homes

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/04/vow-remove-lead-benton-harbor-homes/

Bridge Michigan

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In: activism, Advocacy, Budget, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, legislation, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, pollution, The States
Illinois environmental justice bill would help residents prevent pollution

By Kari Lydersen, Energy News Network

This story was first published on the Energy News Network and was republished here with permission.

Illinois activists who led fights to close coal plants and ban petroleum coke storage are now leading the charge for a bill that would provide new powers and funding to environmental justice communities.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/04/illinois-environmental-justice-bill-prevent-pollution/

Energy News Network

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Minnesota bill aims to close a gap on funding for ‘pre-weatherization’ work

By Frank Jossi, Energy News Network

This story was first published on the Energy News Network and was republished here with permission.

A lack of state funding to help Minnesota homeowners clean up mold, asbestos and other hazards is limiting the reach of federal weatherization programs in the state, preventing some of those most in need from accessing benefits.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/04/minnesota-bill-funding-pre-weatherization-work/

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Energy News Roundup: Weatherization money going to states for low-income homes, misinformation derails energy projects

Keep up with energy-related developments in the Great Lakes area with Great Lakes Now’s biweekly headline roundup.

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Illinois AG files suit against Marathon over crude oil spill in Cahokia Creek – KSDK

The lawsuit filed against Marathon Pipe Line in Madison County Court alleges multiple violations of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/04/weatherization-money-low-income-homes-misinformation-energy-projects/

Natasha Blakely

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Michigan Gov. Whitmer signs over $4.7B for infrastructure

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan is investing more than $4.7 billion to improve infrastructure, including drinking water upgrades, internet access and fixing roads, bridges and dams.

The spending plan includes some of the biggest infrastructure investments in state history, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Wednesday before signing the bipartisan legislation in Grand Rapids.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/ap-gov-whitmer-signs-4-7b-infrastructure/

The Associated Press

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Michigan Legislature approves $4.8B infrastructure plan

By David Eggert, Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan lawmakers approved $4.8 billion in spending March 24, mostly for infrastructure upgrades, with an influx of federal pandemic and other funds that will go toward water systems, roads, parks and other priorities including affordable housing.

The huge supplemental budget plan, which Gov.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/ap-michigan-legislature-approves-infrastructure-plan/

The Associated Press

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In: Chicago, Climate change, Collaboration, Education, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, History and Culture, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Municipalities, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation and Tourism, science, Science, Technology, Research
Chicago educator empowers students to make climate connections in their own communities

By Audrey Henderson, Energy News Network

This story was first published on the Energy News Network and was republished here with permission.

For many city kids, flowers have cut stems and vegetables are packed in styrofoam and plastic on shelves in the grocery store.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/chicago-educator-empowers-students-climate-connections-communities/

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PFAS News Roundup: Indiana PFAS property transfers, Lake Superior rainbow smelt advisory, new Ohio PFAS regulation bill

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/pfas-news-roundup-indiana-new-ohio-pfas-regulation-bill/

Maya Sundaresan

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In: Advocacy, Climate change, Collaboration, environmental equity, Equity and Environmental Justice, flooding, History and Culture, infrastructure, Latest News, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, The States, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Black Neighborhoods Will Bear Future Flood Burden

By Kimberly M. S. Cartier, Eos

This story originally appeared in Eos and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.

Residents of New Orleans are no strangers to floods and the losses that follow.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/black-neighborhoods-future-flood-burden/

Eos

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Judge: Ex-governor must testify in Flint water civil trial

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and several other officials must testify in a civil trial involving engineering firms being sued over liability for lead-contaminated water connected to the Flint water crisis, a judge ruled Monday.

U.S. District Judge Judith Levy denied motions by Snyder, his former advisor, two former state-appointed emergency managers and an ex-Flint city official to quash subpoenas compelling them to testify.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/ap-ex-governor-testify-flint-water-civil-trial/

The Associated Press

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Substantive change will require a ‘massive culture shift’ in federal, state and local agencies

When it comes to dealing with Michigan’s regulators on environmental justice issues, Detroit environmental law attorney Nick Leonard wants to change the narrative.

Too often when confronted with decisions that impact environmental justice communities, regulators focus on limitations and what they can’t do, Leonard recently told Great Lakes Now.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/substantive-change-federal-state-local-agencies/

Gary Wilson

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In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Equity and Environmental Justice, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, line 5, News, pipelines, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research, Wisconsin
DNR extends comment period on Enbridge line reroute

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The comment period on a draft analysis of the environmental impact of rerouting an oil and gas pipeline around an American Indian reservation in northern Wisconsin will run for an additional month, state regulators announced Wednesday.

The Enbridge Line 5 pipeline carries oil and natural gas liquids from Superior to Sarnia.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/ap-dnr-extends-comment-period-enbridge-reroute/

The Associated Press

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Indiana University study links lead exposure to juvenile delinquency

By Timberly Ferree, Indiana Environmental Reporter

In the first direct analysis of its kind, a study by Indiana University researchers has found a link between lead in drinking water, specifically from private wells, and juvenile delinquency.

“There’s not been a direct analysis on lead exposure and children’s outcomes later in life before.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/study-lead-exposure-juvenile-delinquency/

Indiana Environmental Reporter

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Flint water main breaks prompt water conservation request

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — Water main breaks blamed on temperature fluctuations has prompted Flint officials to ask residents and businesses to temporarily cut back on water usage.

The water conservation request is through Wednesday, the city said Friday in a release.

Main breaks have impacted water storage supply in a reservoir and elevated water tower, according to the city.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/ap-flint-water-main-breaks/

The Associated Press

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US looks to boost cooperation with tribes on land management

By Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said Tuesday he and other officials are committed to boosting the role Native American tribes can play in managing public lands around the U.S.

He told members of a congressional committee during a virtual hearing that part of the effort includes integrating Indigenous knowledge into management plans and recognizing that federal lands once belonged to the tribes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/ap-us-boost-cooperation-tribes-land-management/

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Snyder will take 5th if called to testify in water trial

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, who faces misdemeanor charges in the Flint water crisis, wants to avoid testifying in a civil trial involving engineering firms that are being sued over liability for lead-contaminated water.

Snyder’s attorneys said he would invoke his right to remain silent if called as a witness in the ongoing civil trial in federal court in Ann Arbor.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/snyder-take-5th-if-testify-water-trial/

The Associated Press