On:
In: Climate change, Energy, energy news, Energy News Roundup, energy roundup, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania
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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: AP, Budget, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation and Tourism, The States, Tourism, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

The Associated Press

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Climate change, flooding, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Research, Data and Technology, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Report: Climate change threatens these 29 Michigan chemical sites

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/2022/03/climate-change-threatens-michigan-chemical-sites/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: AP, Drinking Water, Farming, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
DNR issues expansion permit for Kewaunee County factory farm

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced March 25 it will issue a permit that will make it harder for a Kewaunee County factory farm accused of contaminating drinking water to expand.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that the permit caps the number of cows at the Kinnard Farms facility at about 8,000 head, the number of cows the farm currently houses.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/dnr-issues-expansion-permit-for-kewaunee-county-factory-farm/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, Budget, Detroit, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, flint, Grand Rapids, infrastructure, legislation, Michigan, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation and Tourism, The States, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

The Associated Press

On:
In: Drinking Water, Drinking Water News Roundup, Illinois, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Maya Sundaresan, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Drinking Water News Roundup: Best tasting water in the world in Ohio, nation’s worst waterways in Indiana

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Gladstone warns residents of water nitrate levels, says infants younger than 6 months should not drink it—WQAD8

The Village of Gladstone is warning residents with infants younger than 6 months of high levels of nitrate in the town’s drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/drinking-water-news-roundup-best-tasting-water-ohio-worst-waterways-indiana/

Maya Sundaresan

On:
In: clean water, Collaboration, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Forests and Plants, infrastructure, invasive species, Latest News, mussels, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
5 Reasons to Love (and Protect) Freshwater Mussels

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.

In September the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed removing 23 species from the federal list of endangered species — not because they’d rebounded, sadly, but because they are believed to be extinct.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/reasons-to-love-freshwater-mussels/

The Revelator

On:
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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Eos

On:
In: AP, dams, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Fish, Birds and Animals, hydropower, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Hydropower eyes bigger energy role, less environmental harm

By Suman Naishadham, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — In southwestern Pennsylvania, eight locks and dams that for decades helped barges move goods along the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers will in a few years also generate enough power for 75,000 homes.

Rye Development, a Boston-based hydropower company, is retrofitting the dams with turbines to generate electricity and says the upgraded structures will limit damage to the rivers’ water quality and fish.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/ap-hydropower-bigger-energy-role-less-environmental-harm/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, Budget, Forever Chemicals Featured, infrastructure, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wells, Wisconsin
La Crosse officials to spend another $25K on bottled water

LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) — The city council in La Crosse has decided to spend another $25,000 on bottled water for town of Campbell residents with PFAS-contaminated wells.

The La Crosse Tribune reported March 11 that the council voted March 10 to pull the money from the city’s contingency fund.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/ap-la-crosse-25k-bottled-water/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, groundwater, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The States, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Evers lashes out at conservatives over PFAS standards

By Todd Richmond, Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Tony Evers lashed out Thursday at conservative members of the Department of Natural Resources policy board for refusing to set limits on a group of chemicals known as PFAS in Wisconsin’s groundwater.

The board in February adopted limits for drinking water and surface water but rejected the Department of Natural Resources’ recommendations to impose a 20 parts per trillion limit for groundwater after conservative board members voiced concerns about the cost of replacing or remediating wells with contamination that exceeds that bench mark.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/evers-conservatives-pfas-standards/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Algae Blooms, Boats, Collaboration, Fish, Birds and Animals, infrastructure, invasive species, Latest News, legislation, News, Ontario, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
New Ontario watercraft regulations fight invasive species

This article was republished here with permission from Great Lakes Echo.

By Arya Dara, Great Lakes Echo

New legislation in Ontario can result in a fine if boats are not cleaned properly when they are moved from one body of water and into another.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/ontario-watercraft-regulations-invasive-species/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Drinking Water, Illinois, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, News Roundup Drinking Water, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Drinking Water News Roundup: Illinois Well Inspections, New York Water Funding

From lead pipes to PFAs, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Illinois EPA invests over $65.6 Million in wastewater and drinking water projects in second quarter of FY22 – WAND TV

Three of the loan recipients qualified for a total of more than $3 million in principal forgiveness.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/drinking-water-news-roundup-illinois-new-york/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: AP, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, flint, flint water, infrastructure, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, dam, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, infrastructure, kalamazoo river, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The States, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan sues dam owner over sediment in Kalamazoo River

By David Eggert, Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The state of Michigan sued the owner and operator of a hydroelectric dam, alleging that its mismanaged drawdown of a lake to do repairs created sediment that has choked a 30-mile stretch of the Kalamazoo River, impeded recreational use and threatened public safety.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/ap-dam-owner-sediment-kalamazoo-river/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Buffalo, Cleveland, COVID-19, Duluth, economy, Feature Cleveland, Feature Homepage, freighters, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, shipping, Shipping and Ports
The 2022 Great Lakes shipping season sets sail after COVID-19 hurdles

If you notice your packages arriving much faster than they did at the start of the pandemic, it isn’t just a minor coincidence – rather, it could be the Great Lakes shipping industry making a comeback after weathering the effects of COVID-19’s spread.

“(This) has been a bounce-back season from the COVID-induced lows of 2020,” said Jason Hron, director of communication and marketing for the Duluth Seaway Port Authority.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/2022-great-lakes-shipping-season-infrastructure-improvements-covid-19/

Maya Sundaresan

On:
In: AP, Drinking Water, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, wastewater, water infrastructure, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Task force looking at water infrastructure in SE Michigan

DETROIT (AP) — A group of government, business and nonprofit organizations is looking at water infrastructure in southeastern Michigan.

The current condition and actions needed for sustainable water infrastructure systems is the focus of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments Water Infrastructure Task Force.

The task force also will address flooding issues, project funding, equity, affordability and other topics.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/ap-task-force-water-infrastructure-michigan/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, biden administration, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin
Biden, Cabinet fan out around nation to sell domestic agenda

By Darlene Superville, Fatima Hussein and Chris Megerian, Associated Press

SUPERIOR, Wis. (AP) — President Joe Biden, struggling to regain his political footing as the midterm elections approach, visited the crucial state of Wisconsin on Wednesday to promote one of his top accomplishments, a bipartisan infrastructure measure that will distribute billions of dollars to fix roads, bridges and other public works.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/ap-biden-cabinet-domestic-agenda/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Budget, economy, Feature Homepage, Great Lakes Commission, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, New York, News, Ohio, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Sandra Svoboda
New national authority for Great Lakes region proposed by Ohio Congresswoman

Steadier federal funding instead of annual appropriations coming out of debates, direct investment for local communities to meet federal mandates, a dual focus on environmental clean up and economic development. 

Those would be three benefits of a Great Lakes Authority, according to Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) who spoke today during the Great Lakes Week session organized by the Great Lakes Commission.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/great-lakes-authority-proposed-ohio-congress-marcy-kaptur/

Sandra Svoboda

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Climate change, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, flooding, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
What Michigan can do as global report details ‘closing window’ on climate

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/2022/03/michigan-global-report-climate/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Drinking Water, funding, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Billions Flow to Water Systems from Federal Pandemic Relief Funds

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/2022/02/water-systems-pandemic-relief-funds/

Circle of Blue

On:
In: AP, biden administration, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin
Biden to follow State of Union address with Wisconsin trip

SUPERIOR, Wis. (AP) — President Joe Biden travels to Wisconsin next week, the day after delivering his State of the Union speech in Washington.

According to the White House, Biden and first lady Jill Biden will stop in Superior on Wednesday to discuss how the $1 trillion infrastructure law will improve the state’s roads and bridges, among other things, and create jobs.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/biden-state-union-address-wisconsin/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Drinking Water, environmental equity, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Risky Drinking Water Pathogen Has Outsized Effect on Black Americans

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/2022/02/drinking-water-pathogen-effect-black-americans/

Circle of Blue

On:
In: contaminated water, Drinking Water, Fish, Birds and Animals, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, Indiana, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, News Roundup Drinking Water, Ohio, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Drinking Water News Roundup: New DNA Computer can Reveal Water Contaminants, HydroOne Team Works Towards Cleaning up Oil Spill

From lead pipes to PFAs, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Illinois American Water Investing Over $16 Million in Jerseyville Water System – BusinessWire

Illinois American water plans to donate over $16 million to help maintain and transform the municipal water system for the city of Jerseyville.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/drinking-water-news-roundup-water-contaminants-oil-spill/

Maya Sundaresan

On:
In: AP, biden administration, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, lake erie, News, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Biden: Infrastructure plan gives $1B for Great Lakes cleanup

By John Flesher and Zeke Miller, Associated Press

LORAIN, Ohio (AP) — President Joe Biden declared Thursday that a $1 billion infusion from the bipartisan infrastructure deal would restore the Great Lakes harbors and tributary rivers that have been polluted by industrial toxins.

The president ventured close to the banks of Lake Erie to speak in Lorain, Ohio, a small city that once housed a shipbuilder, a Ford plant and a U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/ap-biden-infrastructure-great-lakes-cleanup/

The Associated Press

On:
In: contamination, Feature Homepage, forever chemicals, Indiana, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, News Roundup PFAS, Pennsylvania, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
PFAS News Roundup: Bill proposes blood testing for Indiana firefighters, potential PFA contamination in Pennsylvania deer

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/2022/02/pfas-news-roundup-annual-blood-tests-pennsylvania-deer/

Maya Sundaresan

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Grand Rapids, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, road salt, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
A Grand Rapids lake and the consequences of Michigan’s road salt addiction

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/2022/02/grand-rapids-lake-road-salt/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: AP, biden administration, coal mines, Drinking Water, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Biden plan to spend $725M to clean up abandoned coal mines

By John Raby, Associated Press

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Nearly $725 million in federal funding is available this fiscal year to 22 states and the Navajo Nation for the reclamation of abandoned coal mines and cleanup of acid mine drainage, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced Monday.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/ap-biden-abandoned-coal-mines/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, Climate change, Feature Homepage, infrastructure, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research
Scientists race to gather winter data on warming Great Lakes

By John Flesher, Associated Press

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — What’s happening in the Great Lakes during those long, frigid months when they’re often covered partially or completely with ice? A casual observer — and even experts — might be inclined to say, “Not much.”

Lake scientists have long considered winter a season when aquatic activity slows.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/ap-scientists-data-warming-great-lakes/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Chicago, Climate change, Collaboration, Detroit, economic development, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, green infrastructure, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, renewable energy, Wisconsin
Great Lakes platform helps connect green investors with regional projects

By Kari Lydersen

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

A two-year-old economic development partnership is helping to draw attention — and investment dollars — to sustainability projects in the Great Lakes region.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/great-lakes-platform-green-projects/

Energy News Network

On:
In: AP, Climate change, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, wells
Interior Department approves $1B to clean up abandoned wells

By Drew Costley, Associated Press

The Department of Interior is spending $1.15 billion to cap abandoned oil and gas wells across the United States.

There are over 3 million abandoned oil and gas wells in the U.S., according to the Environmental Protection Agency. And Interior officials say that wells have been exposing millions of people to air and water pollution for decades.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/ap-interior-department-abandoned-wells/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Lead, flint, infrastructure, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
US pushes for better tap water but must win over wary public

By Michael Phillis, Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Angela Stamps won’t drink water from her faucet, showers less and no longer takes the baths she once found relaxing. She doesn’t cook with tap water and sometimes skips rinsing her produce.

Even though the amount of lead in Flint, Michigan’s tap water has been well below a key state threshold for several years, she hasn’t been able to stop worrying since going through the trauma of the city’s lead crisis.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/us-pushes-better-tap-water/

The Associated Press

On:
In: biden administration, Climate change, COP26, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, Gary Wilson, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Biden’s First Year: An infrastructure win, but climate and justice plans struggle

In November 2020, shortly after President Joe Biden was elected, Great Lakes Now talked with University of Detroit Mercy  associate professor Nick Schroeck about the opportunities and challenges facing the president-elect. 

Schroeck is an environmental law attorney and urban policy expert who has a background in transboundary legal issues between the U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/bidens-first-year/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: fluoride, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Some communities in Michigan opt out of fluoridation

This article was republished here with permission from Great Lakes Echo.

By Danielle James, Great Lakes Echo

Even as community water systems are praised by the state for maintaining fluoride levels, others are still holding out.

Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by about 25% in children and adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/communities-michigan-fluoridation/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: AP, clean energy, Climate change, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect
Michigan governor releases plan draft for carbon neutrality

By Anna Liz Nichols, Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan will build clean energy infrastructure and invest in green programs over the next 30 years with the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 to confront climate change, a draft of a state plan says.

Gov.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/ap-plan-draft-carbon-neutrality/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Asian carp, Budget, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, invasive carp, invasive species, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News, soo locks
U.S. Army Corps directs millions to Great Lakes coastal resiliency, Soo Locks and invasive carp barrier

The project to construct a new Soo Lock has been fully funded as of Wednesday, when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released its Fiscal Year 2022 budget, which included $479 million directed to the new lock.

“In Michigan, we know how vital the Locks are to our economy and our national defense,” Sen.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/army-corps-millions-great-lakes-coastal-resiliency-soo-locks-invasive-carp/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, Michigan, News, septic systems, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Searching for help. Where can homeowners get money to fix failing septic systems?

By Lester Graham, 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/2022/01/homeowners-money-fix-septic-systems/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: Climate change, Collaboration, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Science, Technology, Research
Adapting to Climate Change Will Only Get More Expensive

By Michael Allen, Hakai Magazine 

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

 

As the climate warms, the price of adapting homes and infrastructure to cope with increasing temperatures, heavier rainfalls, stronger storms, and rising seas will be staggering.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/adapting-climate-change-expensive/

Hakai Magazine

On:
In: belle isle, Detroit, flooding, Great Lakes Now's Year-End Posts, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism
Year in Review 2021: As the year ends, I’m still thinking about summer joy… and summer flooding

Like many people, I made some really big changes to my life in 2021. One of the more significant changes was leaving my former role at WDET, Detroit’s NPR station, and joining the team at Great Lakes Now as associate producer.  

Having joined the GLN team in October, it still feels like a brand new experience for me as the calendar year comes to a close, but so far, I’m learning a lot from Supervising Producer Rob Green and our fearless Program Director Sandra Svoboda.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/year-in-review-2021-summer-flooding/

Anna Sysling

On:
In: Duluth, Feature Homepage, infrastructure, Lake Superior, Latest News, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Superior Stewardship: In Duluth, the Great Lakes are more than a resource, they’re part of an identity

Big waves pounding Midwestern city waterfronts are common images around the Great Lakes, which means communities are dealing with the impacts of storms that are increasing in frequency and severity.  

One of those cities has been making strides in improving its resiliency while preserving its culture – Duluth, Minnesota. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/superior-stewardship-duluth/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: AP, contamination, Groundwater Contamination, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, infrastucture, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Waste, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
EPA releases $1B to clean up toxic waste sites in 24 states

By Michael Rubinkam, Associated Press

Nearly 50 toxic waste sites around the U.S. will be cleaned up, and ongoing work at dozens of others will get a funding boost, as federal environmental officials announced Friday a $1 billion infusion to the Superfund program.

The money comes from the $1 trillion infrastructure bill that President Joe Biden signed into law last month and will help officials tackle a backlog of highly polluted Superfund sites in 24 states that have languished for years because of a lack of funding, the Environmental Protection Agency said.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-epa-toxic-waste-sites/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, wetlands, Wisconsin
Court rules against proposed frac sand plant in Wisconsin

By Scott Bauer, Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A state appeals court on Thursday refused to reinstate a permit for a proposed $75 million frac sand operation in western Wisconsin, a victory for environmentalists who have been fighting for years to protect the 16 acres (6.5 hectares) of pristine wetlands.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-court-frac-sand-plant/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, Energy, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Michigan, News, pipelines, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
US requires higher safety standards for more pipelines

By John Flesher, Associated Press

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — A new federal regulation requires higher safety standards for pipelines carrying oil and other hazardous liquids through the Great Lakes region, marine coastal waters and beaches, officials said Thursday.

The rule issued by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration designates those locations as “high consequence” zones where pipeline operators must step up inspections, repairs and other measures to avoid spills.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-safety-standards-pipelines/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Illinois, indigenous communities, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, News Roundup Drinking Water, Ohio, Ontario, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Drinking Water News Roundup: Infrastructure funding in Minnesota, Wisconsin, false confidence in Michigan water

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle. 

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

Click on the headline to read the full-story: 

Illinois: 

  • Illinois To Receive $1.7 Billion To Replace Lead Pipes—1340 WJOL 

Illinois is expected to receive roughly $1.7 billion from the federal infrastructure bill to help address the issue of lead pipes in the state. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/drinking-water-roundup-infrastructure-funding/

Maya Sundaresan

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, data, Drinking Water, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, water affordability
Rising Cost of Water in Michigan Leads to Affordability Problems

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/2021/12/cost-water-michigan-affordability-problems/

Circle of Blue

On:
In: AP, Drinking Water, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
New lead testing method could reveal higher levels in water

By Michael Phillis, Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) — For years, testing of the tap water in an upscale Detroit suburb showed the city was in the clear. Then residents got a notice seemingly out of the blue: Their water could be contaminated with elevated levels of lead.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/ap-lead-testing-method-higher-levels/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, Budget, Drinking Water, infrastructure, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Whitmer proposes $300M in water funding for communities

By David Eggert, Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday proposed $300 million in water spending to help local utilities address elevated lead levels, plan for pipe replacement and connect users of contaminated wells to municipal supplies.

The governor said the funding would expand her $500 million MI Clean Water Plan, some of which has been authorized since it was unveiled more than a year ago.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/ap-whitmer-300m-water-funding-communities/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, biden administration, indigenous communities, infrastructure, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Tribal Voices, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Tribes welcome infusion of money in infrastructure bill

By Felicia Fonseca, Associated Press

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Tribes welcomed an infusion of money in the massive infrastructure bill to expand broadband coverage, fix roads and address water and sanitation needs, but they say real change will come only with sustained investment.

President Joe Biden signed the $1.2 trillion deal earlier this week that includes about $11 billion in benefits for Indian Country, according to the U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/ap-tribes-infusion-money-infrastructure-bill/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Buffalo, Cleveland, Feature Homepage, infrastructure, lake erie, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, Ohio, Science, Technology, Research, technology, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Erie Hack Finals: Is Lake Erie’s most pressing water problem toxins, agriculture or infrastructure design?

The objects wouldn’t look out of place as decorative lanterns or centerpieces. But the winner of the 2019 Erie Hack did more than look nice, it was designed to capture debris from stormwater – including plastic, waste and needles – that normally go rushing into Lake Erie whenever there’s bad weather. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/erie-hack-finals-toxins-agriculture-infrastructure/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: benton harbor, Budget, Chicago, Drinking Water, epa, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Feature Lead, Feature-Chicago, Gary Wilson, Illinois, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Q&A: New EPA Great Lakes administrator talks Benton Harbor, infrastructure, AOC cleanup

Conservation action for Debra Shore started with the driveway at her suburban Chicago home.

It was asphalt, and she wanted to replace it with gravel to absorb the rain and keep pollutants out of the stormwater drains. But her town administration said no to the permit, though it eventually yielded.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/epa-great-lakes-administrator-benton-harbor-infrastructure-cleanup/

Gary Wilson