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Minnesota court sends PolyMet air permit case back to agency

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northern Minnesota encountered a setback Monday when the state Court of Appeals ordered regulators to revisit a critical air emissions permit given to the project.

The court ruled that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency hadn’t sufficiently justified granting the permit after opponents raised allegations that PolyMet was planning a much larger mine.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-minnesota-court-polymet-air-permit-case-agency/

The Associated Press

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In: Drinking Water, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Grand Rapids, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, News Roundup PFAS, Ontario, Pennsylvania, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: EPA approved PFAS use for fracking, $20M for Ontario airport cleanup, PFAS Action Act set for House vote

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/2021/07/pfas-epa-fracking-ontario-cleanup-action-act-house/

Noah Bock

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In: AP, Illinois, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Illinois sues owner of plant where fire prompted evacuations

By Sara Burnett, Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois prosecutors on Friday sued the owner of a chemical plant where a fire last month sent dark smoke and ash into the air for days and prompted evacuations, saying the company should be held accountable for air and water pollution and hazards that still exist.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-illinois-sues-owner-plant-fire-evacuations/

The Associated Press

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In: Budget, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, News Roundup Energy, Ohio, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Energy News Roundup: US invests in wave energy, Celebrities urge Biden to stop Line 3, Company seeks damages for Keystone XL cancellation

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 coal plants are closing even as fossil fuel objections stall energy bill again – Energy News Network

In a surprise announcement last Thursday, NRG said it would close its Waukegan and Romeoville coal plants, but the community impacts are unclear as “just transition” provisions remain held up in state energy bill negotiations.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/energy-investments-biden-line-3-keystone-xl-cancellation/

Noah Bock

On:
In: Budget, Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Duluth, Feature Cleveland, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Feature Milwaukee, Gary Wilson, Grand Rapids, Illinois, Indiana, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Milwaukee, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin
Investing in the Lakes: New bill could redirect tech money to neglected Great Lakes cities

As President Joe Biden tries to advance his high-profile legislative agenda in a sharply divided Congress, a low-profile bill that could help the Great Lakes region is progressing with bipartisan support.

If passed, it could finally help the region shake its Rust Belt image.

The legislation is the U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/legislation-investment-tech-research-great-lakes-cities/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Detroit, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, pollution
Great Lakes Moment: Ecosystem restoration needs more environmental justice

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

In southwest Detroit, evidence of environmental injustice can be found nearly everywhere, and communities of color and low wealth feel that polluting companies and government officials are not doing enough to address many long-standing environmental problems.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ecosystem-restoration-environmental-justice-southwest-detroit/

John Hartig

On:
In: AP, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, News, renewable energy
Clean megaprojects divide surprise group: environmentalists

By Patrick Whittle, Associated Press Writer

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Sprawling wind farms located off the coast. Hydropower transmission lines that cut through some of America’s most beloved forests and rivers. Solar megaprojects of unprecedented size.

As President Joe Biden’s administration plans to fight climate change by weaning the nation off fossil fuels, these large-scale renewable energy projects are the source of conflict within a seemingly unlikely group: environmentalists.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/ap-clean-megaprojects-divide-environmentalists/

The Associated Press

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In: Collaboration, COVID-19, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, PFAS
Federal Agencies Plan to Investigate Links between PFAS Exposure and Viral Illness

By Brett Walton, Circle of Blue

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/2021/04/federal-agencies-plan-to-investigate-links-between-pfas-exposure-and-viral-illness/

Circle of Blue

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In: Article, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Natasha Blakely, News, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research, Shipping and Ports
Regional Thoughts: Some reactions from various Great Lakes leaders on President Biden’s infrastructure plan

President Joe Biden last week announced a massive $2 trillion infrastructure proposal, including how the money will be spent and plans to pay for it.

He spoke Wednesday at the training facility for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he began his presidential campaign two years ago.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/regional-thoughts-some-reactions-from-various-great-lakes-leaders-on-president-bidens-infrastructure-plan/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: canada, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News, oil pipelines, Ontario, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The States, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Canada Speaks: In Enbridge Line 5 debate, Canadian representatives point to the impact on their economy

In the ongoing conflict over Line 5’s presence and future in Michigan, much of the debate has been between the Canadian energy company Enbridge, Inc. and the state of Michigan, or between Michigan environmentalists and Michigan businesses.

A recent joint committee session in the Michigan Senate heard from a third party: Canada.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/enbridge-line-5-debate-canadian-representatives-impact-economy/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: biden administration, Cleveland, Climate change, Detroit, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Cleveland, Feature Detroit, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, renewable energy, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Air, Wind, Solar: In the Great Lakes region, energy stands out in President Biden’s efforts

If you have the good fortune to gaze at a Great Lake – any Great Lake – sometime in this strange year, you’re not likely to spot a glaring example of President Joseph R. Biden’s new emphasis on protecting the environment.

But that doesn’t mean they aren’t coming.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/air-wind-solar-great-lakes-energy-president-biden/

Dave Spratt

On:
In: Climate change, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, News, Ohio, Ontario, Wisconsin
Energy News Roundup: Q&A with energy secretary Granholm, Indiana enviromental bills struggle, Ontario rate payers prepare for hike

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

In this edition: Environmentalists in Wisconsin sue EPA over regulation rollback favoring coal plants, bankruptcy plan for Ohio nuclear power company upheld by appeals court, Prairie Island tribe prepares for massive investment in renewable energy, and Ford Motors to invest millions for electric vehicle construction in southeast Michigan

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Indiana:

  • 75 environmental bills were filed this session; more than two-thirds of them are now dead – Indianapolis Star

When the 2021 legislative session began, more than 75 bills related to the environment had been filed in Indiana’s General Assembly.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/energy-news-indiana-bills-ontario-hike-line-5-oversight-panel/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Collaboration, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, health, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, PFAS, Research
PFAS in the House: Are toxic “forever chemicals” a steady drip in this reporter’s home?

After spending several months reporting on the PFAS crisis, an alarming realization hit — taco night might be poisoning me.

I learned that the type of nonstick pans that I used to fry the fish usually contain the toxic chemicals, also called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Research alerted me to their use in some types of parchment paper used to roll tortillas, while the aluminum foil in which I wrapped leftovers raised a red flag with its “nonstick” label.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/pfas-home-testing-pets-blood-household/

Tom Perkins

On:
In: Commercial Fishing, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Fisheries Fight: Michigan commercial fishers bring MDNR rules to court

It could be weeks before Michigan’s commercial fishing outfits can get back to catching whitefish ­– but even then they’re not sure what’s left of the season will save their businesses.

That’s because they’re tied up in a legal fight over the rules of their game – rules imposed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in January that limit when and where commercial fishers can operate in the Michigan waters of the Great Lakes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/michigan-commercial-fishers-mdnr-rules-court/

Dave Spratt

On:
In: enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News, oil pipelines
EGLE Permits: Michigan agency approves permits needed for Enbridge tunnel project

The Enbridge Line 5 tunnel in the Straits of Mackinac today got another step closer to being built.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced its approval of the permits that Enbridge is required to have to build the replacement tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/egle-approves-permits-enbridge-line-5-tunnel/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: COVID-19, economy, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, shipping, Shipping and Ports
Stalled Ships: Shipping industry looks to infrastructure investments to boost demand

The Great Lakes’ iconic freighters remained common sights on the waters – that much didn’t change during pandemic. But, like many industries, shipping was hit hard by COVID-19. That feels especially salient when shipping is such an integral piece of the Great Lakes economy.

As of September 2020, iron ore cargoes were “down 27% from last year at this time,” James Weakley, president of the Lake Carriers’ Association and representative of Ohio on the Great Lakes Commission, said in an interview with Great Lakes Now.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/shipping-industry-infrastructure-investments/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, COVID-19, economy, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, outdoor recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Tourism
COVID-19 Concerns: Economic recovery plagues the minds of many in the Great Lakes region

With COVID-19 vaccines rolling out, many people are shifting their worries to the economy and how to recover from the state that it has been left in – with numerous local and regional industries gutted after this past summer.

“Until we start working together and work together to make sure that we keep the pandemic down while the vaccine is coming in, we’re not going to be able to rebuild this economy for quite some time,” John Dickert of the Alliance for Regional Development in a Great Lakes Now interview.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/covid-19-concerns-economic-recovery-plagues/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: enforcement, epa, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, pollution, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Lack of Enforcement: Less compliance with environmental laws means more pollution in the lakes

The long-term impact of the Trump administration on the Great Lakes environment remains a big question – particularly when President Donald Trump was still rolling back environmental protections in the last few months of his term.

Over the length of his term, Trump rolled back a number of rules and regulations, and enforcement of the ones that remained dropped.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/lack-enforcement-compliance-environmental-laws-more-pollution/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: AP, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Mining, Minnesota, News, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Minnesota lawmakers introduce anti-copper mining legislation

By Mohamed Ibrahim, Associated Press/Report for America

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota lawmakers are ramping up efforts to prevent mining companies from gaining a foothold in Minnesota with legislation that aims to slow or ban copper-nickel mining on the Iron Range.

Companion bills set to be proposed by state lawmakers and U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/ap-minnesota-lawmakers-anti-copper-mining-legislation/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, News, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
2 nuke plants, 1 bribery scandal, no answers: Towns on edge

By John Seewer, Associated Press Writer

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — For much of the past four years, the residents of a pair of villages along Lake Erie have been on edge over the fate of their nuclear plants, which generate enough tax money to pay for nicer schools than their neighbors.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/ap-2-nuke-plants-1-bribery-scandal-no-answers/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines
Enbridge rejects Michigan’s demand to shut down oil pipeline

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Enbridge said Tuesday it would defy Michigan’s demand to shut down an oil pipeline that runs through a channel linking two of the Great Lakes, contending that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s decision was based on bad information and political posturing.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/ap-enbridge-rejects-michigan-demand-to-shut-down-oil-pipeline/

The Associated Press

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In: enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Gary Wilson, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, Nestle, News, oil pipelines, plastic, Water Withdrawals
Pipelines and Plastic Bottles: Michigan advocate focuses on Line 5 and Nestle bottled water issue

When Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer took office in January 2019, she immediately put a spotlight on the Enbridge Line 5 oil pipeline and started the process that would eventually lead to her ordering it shut down.

In her 2018 campaign, Whitmer also pledged to remedy the inequities related to water withdrawal issues, specifically a Nestle Waters case being fought by grassroots advocates that originated in the administration of former Gov.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/pipelines-and-plastic-bottles-michigan-advocate-focuses-on-line-5-and-nestle-bottled-water-issue/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Books, Books, Authors, Art and Music, Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Duluth, Feature Cleveland, Feature Detroit, Feature Milwaukee, Feature-Chicago, Food, Grand Rapids, Illinois, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, shopping, small business, Toronto, Traverse City, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Gift Guide 2020: Remember that road trip, boat ride, microbrew or sweatshirt you should’ve bought with this list

Want to give your loved ones a holiday gift that connects to that summer trip up north or the fall color tour you took together? 

Or maybe you have a trip planned for after the COVID-19 vaccines have been distributed and want to give them something to remind them they have something to look forward to. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/great-lakes-gift-guide-2020-list/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Collaboration, Commercial Fishing, COVID-19, Cruise Ships, cruises, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ontario, Policy, Waterfront Development
Family-owned fishing businesses displaced by waterfront developments on Great Lakes

By Hannah L. Harrison, University of Guelph, The Conversation

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

For three generations, the Minor family — today brothers Carson and Landon and their father Paul — have been up before first light to board their fishing tug and make their way to their fishing grounds on Lake Erie.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/family-owned-fishing-businesses-displaced-waterfront-developments-great-lakes/

The Conversation

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In: Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Ian Wendrow, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, renewable energy
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Recognition of tribal treaties, Michigan Green Bank, former Upper Peninsula mine sites

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

In this edition: Environmentalists in Wisconsin sue EPA over regulation rollback favoring coal plants, bankruptcy plan for Ohio nuclear power company upheld by appeals court, Prairie Island tribe prepares for massive investment in renewable energy, and Ford Motors to invest millions for electric vehicle construction in southeast Michigan

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Michigan:

  • Oft Ignored, Tribal Treaties Are Seeing Greater Recognition and Influence – The Daily Yonder

Across the United States, tribal treaties are becoming more and more influential in shaping legislative policy while also seeing greater recognition in courthouses, potentially reshaping the entire landscape of environmental justice.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/great-lakes-energy-michigan-tribal-green-mine/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: Detroit, Feature Detroit, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Waterfront Development
Great Lakes Moment: A new vision for the former McLouth Steel site in Trenton

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

For over two decades, when you drove by the former McLouth Steel Plant in Trenton, you could not help but slow down and stare.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/new-vision-waterfront-former-mclouth-steel-site-trenton/

John Hartig

On:
In: Gary Wilson, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Nestle, News, plastic, Water Withdrawals
Dismissed: Michigan advocates outraged by state’s bottled water decision

Water conservation advocacy groups in Michigan expressed outrage over the state’s recent dismissal of their appeal of the decision allowing Nestle Waters North America to increase the amount of groundwater it was withdrawing for bottled water.

Nestle received the greenlight for additional withdrawals in 2018 under the administration of former Gov.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/dismissed-michigan-advocates-outraged-by-bottled-water-decision/

Gary Wilson

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In: enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, oil pipelines
Q&A: What Michigan’s move to shut down Enbridge Line 5 means

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

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/2020/11/michigan-shut-down-enbridge-line-5-means/

Bridge Michigan

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In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, The States
Michigan governor seeks shutdown of Great Lakes oil pipeline

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer took legal action Friday to shut down a pipeline that carries oil beneath a channel that links two of the Great Lakes.

Whitmer’s office notified the Canadian company that it was revoking an easement granted in 1953 to extend a roughly 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) section of the pipeline through the Straits of Mackinac.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/ap-michigan-governor-seeks-shutdown-line-5-great-lakes-oil-pipeline/

The Associated Press

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In: Energy, Ian Wendrow, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Wisconsin groups sue EPA, Ohio’s ongoing nuclear power bankruptcy saga

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

In this edition: Environmentalists in Wisconsin sue EPA over regulation rollback favoring coal plants, bankruptcy plan for Ohio nuclear power company upheld by appeals court, Prairie Island tribe prepares for massive investment in renewable energy, and Ford Motors to invest millions for electric vehicle construction in southeast Michigan

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Michigan:

  • Ford EV investments in southeast Michigan and Missouri to add hundreds of jobs – Detroit News

Ford Motor Company will invest hundreds of millions of dollars in southeast Michigan and Missouri to expand its electric vehicle assembly process and develop EV parts, which is projected to add or retain several hundred jobs in both states.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/great-lakes-energy-news-wisconsin-coal-ohio-nuclear/

Ian Wendrow

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In: Gary Wilson, Illinois, Indiana, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin
COVID-19 Compliance: Agencies grapple with environmental protection in the COVID-19 era

How do you protect water quality, public health and the environment when much of society comes to a near full stop with no notice?

That was the dilemma for regulatory agencies in March when the realities of the COVID-19 virus caused businesses and schools to close, factories to cease or drastically modify operations, travel to be restricted and office workers to scramble to set up makeshift workspaces in their homes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/covid-19-compliance-agencies-environmental-protection/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Ian Wendrow, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Minnesota, News, Ohio, oil pipelines
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Climate Jobs Illinois, Line 3, natural gas in Minnesota

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

In this edition: Michigan environmental justice advocates claim state can’t wait to 2050 for clean energy, Minnesota nuclear power plant to construct pilot facility to produce hydrogen energy, and Ohio nuclear energy company faces dangerous court motion from environmental groups.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/great-lakes-energy-illinois-minnesota-natural-gas/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: Collaboration, Energy, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Mining, News, parks, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, The States
Michigan proposal’s reliance on fossil fuel money splits environmentalists

By Tom Perkins, Energy News Network, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

Michigan environmental groups are at odds over a ballot measure that aims to boost spending on state park improvements using funding from fossil fuel extraction.

The state already relies on mining, oil and gas royalties to fund its park system. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/michigan-fossil-fuel-money-environmentalists/

Energy News Network

On:
In: Cleveland, Gary Wilson, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, invasive species, Latest News, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, shipping, Shipping and Ports, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Great Lakes Freighters: The latest on navigation, locks and icebreakers

It’s been 140 years since a group of U.S. steamship companies formed an alliance called the Cleveland Vessel Owners Association, whose primary purpose was to promote safe navigation by the ships that plied the Great Lakes.

That original alliance has since become the Lake Carriers’ Association, which is still based in Cleveland and represents the interests of companies that have a combined 46 vessels on the lakes and move 90 million tons of cargo annually.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/great-lakes-freighters-lake-carriers-association/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Collaboration, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, oil pipelines, straits of mackinac
New House bills would make anchor strikes in the Straits of Mackinac a felony

By Will Callan, Michigan Radio

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/2020/10/house-bills-anchor-strikes-straits-of-mackinac-felony/

Michigan Radio

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In: canada, Gary Wilson, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, Ontario, plastic, plastics in the great lakes, Quebec, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Banned: Canada takes next step toward zero plastic waste by 2030

Canada took the next step in its effort to achieve zero plastic waste by 2030 last week when it announced a ban on certain single-use plastic items that its environmental protection and policy agency says are not often recycled.

The ban includes check-out bags, straws, stir sticks, six-pack rings, cutlery and foodware items, according to a press release from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/canada-zero-plastic-waste-toxic-ban/

Gary Wilson

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In: AP, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Mining, Minnesota, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Minnesota Supreme Court weighs fate of PolyMet mine permits

By Steve Karnowski, Associated Press Writer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Lawyers for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine and state regulators urged the Minnesota Supreme Court on Tuesday to defer to the judgment of the state Department of Natural Resources and reinstate three critical permits for the project.

Attorneys for the DNR and PolyMet argued that the agency acted within its authority when it decided, after years of public environmental review and permitting proceedings, that there was no need to hold an additional trial-like proceeding known as a contested case hearing.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-minnesota-supreme-court-polymet-mine-permits/

The Associated Press

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In: carbon, Climate change, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Gary Wilson, Illinois, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Science, Technology, Research, The States, Wisconsin
Great Aspirations: Great Lakes states grapple with climate change and carbon

In June 2017, when President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would withdraw from the Paris Climate Accords, three states had an immediate reaction and plan.

New York, California and Washington announced formation of the United States Climate Alliance calling it a “coalition that will convene U.S. states committed to upholding the Paris Climate Agreement and taking aggressive action on climate change.”

With that action, New York led Great Lakes states in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, establish clean energy plans and fund initiatives to meet carbon reduction goals.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/great-lakes-states-climate-change-carbon/

Gary Wilson

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In: AP, Energy, Groundwater Contamination, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Mining, Minnesota, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Trump Administration, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Trump pushes mining with order, but effects are uncertain

By Matthew Brown and Steve Karnowski, Associated Press Writers

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Trump administration is seeking to fast-track mining projects and could offer grants and loans to help companies pay for equipment, administration officials said Thursday, as they offered details on a plan that critics said could spoil rivers and lakes in Minnesota, Idaho and elsewhere with mining pollution.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-trump-mining-minnesota/

The Associated Press

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In: Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Ian Wendrow, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Illinois, Ohio coal plants closing; Michigan treatment plant upgrade, Wisconsin poor infrastructure

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

In this edition: Power company plans to shutter coal plants in Illinois and Ohio; upgrading of East Lansing water treatment plan will save on energy costs; and Wisconsin receives poor grades for both energy and water infrastructure.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/great-lakes-energy-illinois-coal-michigan-upgrade-wisconsin-infrastructure/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Opposition team criticizes Enbridge plans for oil tunnel

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Enbridge’s plans for drilling an oil pipeline tunnel beneath a channel linking two of the Great Lakes do not meet industry standards and pose significant hazards to workers and the environment, experts who reviewed project documents on behalf of opposition groups told The Associated Press.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/ap-opposition-criticizes-enbridge-plans-line-5-tunnel/

The Associated Press

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In: Collaboration, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, oil pipelines, straits of mackinac, water quailty, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Enbridge now inspects freighters to avoid another anchor strike on Line 5

By Lester Graham, Michigan Radio

The Canadian pipeline company Enbridge Energy has been eager to show news media its new Enbridge Straits Maritime Operations Center in Mackinaw City. Its purpose is to try to prevent another anchor strike or other damage to Line 5, the dual pipelines carrying oil and natural gas liquids.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/enbridge-inspects-freighters-anchor-strike-line-5/

Michigan Radio

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In: epa, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, PFAS, Water quality
Citizen Excellence: Sandy Wynn-Stelt receives EPA award for efforts to combat PFAS

Sandy Wynn-Stelt, a resident of Belmont, Michigan, known for her fight against Wolverine World Wide and PFAS, earned the 2020 Citizen Excellence in Community Involvement Award from the U.S. EPA.

Wynn-Stelt is featured in Great Lakes Now’s documentary, “The Forever Chemicals,” which brought audiences the story of her journey as she discovered the extent of the PFAS contamination in her private well and in her community.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/citizen-excellence-sandy-wynn-stelt-receives-epa-award-for-efforts-to-combat-pfas/

Natasha Blakely

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In: cleanup, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, Gary Wilson, Groundwater Contamination, Habitat Restoration, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, restoration, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
In Perpetuity: Toxic Great Lakes sites will require attention for generations to come

It’s convenient to think of fixing a problem and it’s done. But that doesn’t apply to the long-neglected legacy polluted sites in the Great Lakes region.

In simple terms we think of a cleanup as removal of something that, left unattended, will become a nuisance or a problem.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/toxic-great-lakes-sites-capping-dredging/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Ian Wendrow, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, lake erie, Latest News, line 3, line 5, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, oil pipelines, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Wisconsin utility shutoffs postponed, Lake Erie wind farm, Minnesota mine legal win

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

In this edition: Wisconsin Public Service Commission extends utility shutoff moratorium, ruling that could undo Lake Erie wind farm project stands, and PolyMet copper-nickel mine gets critical legal win in Minnesota.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/great-lakes-energy-mining-utility-line-5-lake-erie/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, Collaboration, contaminants, Drinking Water, flint, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, PFAS, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Across the U.S., millions of people are drinking unsafe water. How can we fix that?

By Lynne Peeples, Ensia, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

This story is the first in a nine-month investigation of drinking water contamination across the U.S. The series is supported by funding from the Park Foundation and Water Foundation.

Once a week, Florencia Ramos makes a special trip to the R–N Market in Lindsay, California.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/drinking-unsafe-water-contaminants-solutions/

Ensia

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In: industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Ontario, Latest News, Ontario, pollution, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Toronto, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Blue Jeans Blues: Researchers find denim microfibers in Great Lakes

At any given moment about half the world’s population is wearing blue jeans or other denim clothing. And every time we launder our jeans, tiny string-like particles called microfibers come loose, flow out of our washing machines, down sewers and into lakes and oceans.

Now researchers at the University of Toronto say they have found denim microfibers in sediment taken from the Great Lakes.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/researchers-denim-microfibers-great-lakes/

Sharon Oosthoek

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In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, oil pipelines, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Judge OKs oil flow through second Great Lakes pipeline

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Enbridge said Wednesday it will fully resume operation of a Michigan Great Lakes oil pipeline after a partial shutdown this summer because of damage to a support structure.

Circuit Judge James Jamo signed an order allowing the Canadian company to restore the flow through one of its Line 5 pipes beneath the Straits of Mackinac, which connects Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/ap-judge-line-5-great-lakes-pipeline/

The Associated Press

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In: Collaboration, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, oil pipelines, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Enbridge just wants a permit. Michigan critics want to bring down Line 5

By Kelly House, Bridge, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

Enbridge Energy had already won the blessing from Michigan’s Republican Legislature to build a tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac to keep oil flowing through Line 5, and survived a legal challenge that sought to unravel that plan.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/enbridge-line-5-permit-michigan-critics/

Bridge

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In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, harmful algal blooms, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, toxic algae, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Total Maximum Daily Load: Court case looks to push for Ohio EPA nutrients limit for Lake Erie

For the second time in two years Chicago-based Environmental Law & Policy Center appears to have forced the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s hand in seeking solutions to Lake Erie’s ongoing nutrients pollution problem.

In U.S Northern District of Ohio Court hearings on July 17 and July 30, ELPC attorneys sought a summary judgement requiring the U.S.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/total-maximum-daily-load-court-case-ohio-epa-nutrients-lake-erie/

James Proffitt