Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice (Page 13)

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/ap-flint-water-crisis-fallout-continues/

Michigan plans to charge ex-Gov. Snyder in Flint water probe

On: January 12, 2021

In: AP, Drinking Water, flint, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice

Michigan plans to charge ex-Gov. Snyder in Flint water probe

By Ed White and David Eggert, Associated Press Writers

DETROIT (AP) — Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, his health director and other ex-officials have been told they’re being charged after a new investigation of the Flint water scandal, which devastated the majority Black city with lead-contaminated water and was blamed for a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in 2014-15, The Associated Press has learned.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/ap-michigan-plan-charge-ex-gov-snyder-flint-water-probe/

Deal reached on project to protect lakes from invasive fish

On: January 8, 2021

In: AP, Asian carp, Budget, Chicago, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, invasive species, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice

Deal reached on project to protect lakes from invasive fish

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Michigan, Illinois and a federal agency have agreed on funding the next phase of an initiative to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes by strengthening defenses on a Chicago-area waterway, officials said Thursday.

The two states and the U.S.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/ap-deal-reached-brandon-road-project-asian-carp/

Years After Flint Water Crisis, Lead Lingers in School Buildings

On: January 7, 2021

In: Budget, flint, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice

Years After Flint Water Crisis, Lead Lingers in School Buildings

By Jane Johnston, 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.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/years-after-flint-water-crisis-lead-lingers-school-buildings/

Michigan judge nullifies crucial permit for mining project

On: January 6, 2021

In: AP, indigenous communities, Latest News, Michigan, Mining, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin

Michigan judge nullifies crucial permit for mining project

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan judge has overruled state regulators who approved a key permit for a proposed open-pit mine in the Upper Peninsula, another delay for a project that has been debated for nearly two decades.

Administrative Law Judge Daniel Pulter invalidated a wetlands permit granted in 2018 to Aquila Resources Inc.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/michigan-judge-nullifies-crucial-permit-for-mining-project/

Great Lakes Moment: It’s a UFO. No, the aurora borealis. No, it’s Leamington greenhouses!

On: January 4, 2021

In: Agriculture, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, John Hartig, Latest News, light pollution, Michigan, News, Ontario, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice

Great Lakes Moment: It’s a UFO. No, the aurora borealis. No, it’s Leamington greenhouses!

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.

If you gaze off to the east from Detroit, Grosse Pointe or Downriver, chances are you will see bright lights adrift in the night sky.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/great-lakes-moment-leamington-greenhouses-lights/

John Hartig

2020 in Review: Climate change, COVID-19 and Michigan’s governor

On: January 1, 2021

In: Climate change, COVID-19, Gary Wilson, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice

2020 in Review: Climate change, COVID-19 and Michigan’s governor

This is part of a series in which the Great Lakes Now staff looks back on 2020.

When I look back at my 2020 Great Lakes Now reporting, three themes jump off the page – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, COVID-19 and climate change.

In her 2018 election campaign Whitmer articulated an extensive water and environment agenda and 2020 was the year she started to make progress on it.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/2020-review-climate-change-covid-19-michigan-governor/

Critics say EPA allowing more time to fix lead-tainted water

On: December 29, 2020

In: AP, Drinking Water, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, Lead, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice

Critics say EPA allowing more time to fix lead-tainted water

By Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press Writer

The Trump administration overhauled the country’s widely criticized, 29-year-old framework to eliminate toxic lead from drinking water on Tuesday last week, but critics charge that the new rule gives utilities far more time than before to finally replace old, lead-contaminated pipes.

The new rules come six years after the Flint, Michigan, water crisis highlighted ongoing, dangerous exposure of children and others in the city to the neurotoxin in drinking water, and the failures of officials on all levels to adequately protect local families at the time.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/ap-critics-epa-lead-tainted-water/

12 Indiana communities getting water infrastructure grants

On: December 28, 2020

In: AP, Indiana, infrastructure, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice

12 Indiana communities getting water infrastructure grants

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Twelve rural Indiana communities will share more than $8 million in federal grants to improve their water systems.

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced the grants Thursday.

“These grants are vital to Indiana’s economic success as these projects should improve the quality of life in these rural communities,” Crouch said.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/ap-12-indiana-communities-water-infrastructure-grants/

Congress OKs 5-year extension of Great Lakes cleanup program

On: December 23, 2020

In: AP, Budget, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Habitat Restoration, Latest News, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments

Congress OKs 5-year extension of Great Lakes cleanup program

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — A program that has pumped $2.7 billion into healing long-term injuries to the Great Lakes environment has received authorization from Congress to continue another five years.

The U.S. Senate voted unanimously Sunday to extend the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, as the House did earlier this year.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/ap-congress-5-year-extension-great-lakes-cleanup-program/

PFAS News Roundup: PFAS exposure may affect COVID vaccine, NY bans PFAS in food packaging

On: December 18, 2020

In: forever chemicals, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, Pennsylvania, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin

PFAS News Roundup: PFAS exposure may affect COVID vaccine, NY bans PFAS in food packaging

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.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/pfas-news-roundup-michigan-new-york-wisconsin/

Natasha Blakely

Wisconsin releases action plan to reduce PFAS chemical use

On: December 17, 2020

In: AP, forever chemicals, Latest News, News, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Wisconsin

Wisconsin releases action plan to reduce PFAS chemical use

By Scott Bauer, Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin must prevent pollution from forever chemicals known as PFAS while developing ways to reduce the chemicals’ use, according to a 25-point action plan released Wednesday by Gov. Tony Evers’ administration after a year of study.

Nearly 20 state agencies, along with the University of Wisconsin, worked on the report to tackle the growing pollution and public concern around PFAS, which is shorthand for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/ap-wisconsin-action-plan-reduce-pfas-chemical-use/

Flint water settlement borrowing plan approved by lawmakers

On: December 17, 2020

In: AP, Budget, flint, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice

Flint water settlement borrowing plan approved by lawmakers

By David Eggert, Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan legislators on Wednesday finalized a plan to borrow $600 million to finance the state’s proposed settlement with the residents of Flint, whose water was contaminated with elevated levels of the neurotoxin lead.

The legislation received House approval on 105-3 and 104-4 votes and will be signed by Democratic Gov.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/ap-flint-water-settlement-borrowing-plan-approved-by-lawmakers/

Oldest Coast Guard cutter with smallest crew and largest Great Lakes responsibility needs replacing

On: December 14, 2020

In: Budget, Collaboration, Great Lakes, great lakes echo, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, ships

Oldest Coast Guard cutter with smallest crew and largest Great Lakes responsibility needs replacing

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

By Eric Freedman, Great Lakes Echo

The U.S. Coast Guard wants to retire its oldest cutter on the Great Lakes, the 57-year-old cutter Buckthorn.

But don’t hold your breath waiting for the replacement of the Sault Ste.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/oldest-coast-guard-cutter-great-lakes/

Great Lakes Echo

Index: International Joint Commission’s 2020 Triennial Assessment of Progress Report

On: December 10, 2020

In: Climate change, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, water

Index: International Joint Commission’s 2020 Triennial Assessment of Progress Report

If you read the International Joint Commission’s 2020 Triennial Assessment of Progress Report or

watched the webinar where the IJC announced and discussed the findings, you might be curious about some of the other reports and documents referenced.

For the 2020 triennial report, go to the IJC’s website.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/index-international-joint-commission-2020-triennial-assessment-of-progress-report/

GLN Editor

What the Biden Administration Might Mean For Water

On: December 8, 2020

In: biden administration, Latest News, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, water

What the Biden Administration Might Mean For Water

By Brett Walton, Circle of Blue

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/biden-administration-water-policy-expert-roundtable/

Michigan politicians ran on water problems. Activists want money for fixes.

On: November 24, 2020

In: Detroit, Drinking Water, Feature Detroit, Forever Chemicals Featured, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, PFAS, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts

Michigan politicians ran on water problems. Activists want money for fixes.

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

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/michigan-politicians-water-problems-activists-fixes/

Bridge Michigan

Legal Translation: Environmental attorney explains the latest on Enbridge Line 5 news

On: November 20, 2020

In: enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice

Legal Translation: Environmental attorney explains the latest on Enbridge Line 5 news

With so many twists and turns in the Line 5 story, it’s hard to keep up with the legal filings and positions from Enbridge Energy Corp., various Michigan governmental agencies and groups trying to stop or keep the pipeline.

But in the following conversation, attorney Nick Schroeck, who is the director of the environmental law clinic at University of Detroit Mercy, and Great Lakes Now Program Director Sandra Svoboda have this update about the latest legal actions and a refresher about what the pipeline is all about.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/legal-translation-environmental-attorney-explains-latest-enbridge-line-5/

GLN Editor

PFAS News Roundup: Michigan health study, Wisconsin deer and fish, possible impact on COVID-19 vaccine

On: November 19, 2020

In: COVID-19, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, Traverse City, Wisconsin

PFAS News Roundup: Michigan health study, Wisconsin deer and fish, possible impact on COVID-19 vaccine

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

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/pfas-news-roundup-michigan-wisconsin-study-vaccine/

Natasha Blakely

Rollbacks, Climate, Justice: Environmental attorney on Biden’s commitments, opportunities and challenges

On: November 17, 2020

In: Climate change, COVID-19, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Gary Wilson, Latest News, News, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments

Rollbacks, Climate, Justice: Environmental attorney on Biden’s commitments, opportunities and challenges

For President-elect Joe Biden, the environment and climate change as campaign issues weren’t tucked away in an obscure position paper. Neither was his intent to focus on environmental justice if elected.

Biden also put a spotlight on President Trump’s rollback via executive order of nearly 100 environmental protections in his four years.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/rollbacks-climate-justice-environmental-attorney-president-elect-biden/

COVID-19 Compliance: Agencies grapple with environmental protection in the COVID-19 era

On: November 11, 2020

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.

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

Groups fight to keep gray wolf protections for most of US

On: November 10, 2020

In: Advocacy, animals, AP, Fish, Birds and Animals, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin, wolves

Groups fight to keep gray wolf protections for most of US

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Wildlife advocates and environmental groups have announced that they are challenging the removal of federal protections for gray wolves across most of the U.S.

Two coalitions of groups filed formal notices over the past several days that they plan to sue the U.S. Interior Department in federal court unless protections are restored.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/ap-groups-gray-wolf-protections/

Green group endorsements fail to push non-incumbents into Congress in the Great Lakes

On: November 9, 2020

In: Collaboration, conservation, election 2020, Latest News, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The States, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments

Green group endorsements fail to push non-incumbents into Congress in the Great Lakes

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

By Great Lakes Echo

Only a minority of Great Lakes region congressional candidates endorsed by national environmental advocacy groups were victorious on Election Day.

The winners had a couple of things in common.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/green-group-endorsements-congress-great-lakes/

Great Lakes Echo

What Has the Trump Administration Meant for Water?

On: November 3, 2020

In: Drinking Water, Latest News, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Trump Administration, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts

What Has the Trump Administration Meant for Water?

By Brett Walton, Circle of Blue

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/trump-administration-water-policy/

Trump officials end gray wolf protections across most of US

On: October 30, 2020

In: animals, AP, Fish, Birds and Animals, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, recreational hunting, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin, wolves

Trump officials end gray wolf protections across most of US

By Matthew Brown, John Flesher and Jim Mone, Associated Press Writer

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — Trump administration officials on Thursday stripped Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in most of the U.S., ending longstanding federal safeguards and putting states and tribes in charge of overseeing the predators.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-trump-officials-end-gray-wolf-protections-across-us/

Minority communities question election-year push by EPA

On: October 26, 2020

In: 2020 election, AP, Detroit, Environmental Justice, epa, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, flint, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice

Minority communities question election-year push by EPA

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Theresa Landrum lives in southwest Detroit, where residents complain frequently about dirty air. Tree-shaded neighborhoods with schools, churches and parks lie on either side of an interstate highway and in the shadow of a sprawling oil refinery that belches soot and fumes.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-minority-communities-question-election-year-push-epa/

As policing and pandemic dominate election, climate pushed to back burner

On: October 22, 2020

In: Climate change, Collaboration, election 2020, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Latest News, Minnesota, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The States, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments

As policing and pandemic dominate election, climate pushed to back burner

By Frank Jossi, Energy News Network, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

State Sen. Jason Rarick co-sponsored a rare bipartisan energy bill this spring that sought to expand and improve Minnesota’s state energy conservation program.

The proposal earned support from unions, utilities, industry and environmental groups for its potential to save money and cut carbon emissions, but you won’t hear the Republican incumbent talking it up as part of his reelection campaign.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/policing-pandemic-election-climate-minnesota/

Energy News Network

Great Lakes Freighters: The latest on navigation, locks and icebreakers

On: October 21, 2020

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.

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

Michigan Allocates $20 Million to Relieve Customer Water Debts

On: October 15, 2020

In: Collaboration, COVID-19, Detroit, Drinking Water, Feature Detroit, Latest News, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice

Michigan Allocates $20 Million to Relieve Customer Water Debts

By Brett Walton, Circle of Blue

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/michigan-20-million-customer-water-debts/

House Democrats Ask CDC to Halt Water Shutoffs during the Pandemic

On: October 9, 2020

In: Collaboration, COVID-19, Drinking Water, Latest News, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, water, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts

House Democrats Ask CDC to Halt Water Shutoffs during the Pandemic

By Brett Walton, Circle of Blue

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/house-democrats-cdc-halt-water-shutoffs-pandemic/

Trump pushes mining with order, but effects are uncertain

On: October 2, 2020

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.

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

Canada Water Agency: Government hopes to consolidate water data and management

On: October 1, 2020

In: canada, data, Drinking Water, government, Latest News, News, One Detroit, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Quebec, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, The Provinces, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, water, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts

Canada Water Agency: Government hopes to consolidate water data and management

Canada is home to the third largest renewable supply of fresh water in the world, spread across a vast swath of lakes, rivers, aquifers and glaciers. Fresh water is critical to the country’s economy and health, and a key part of the nation’s identity – paddling a canoe through northern waterways is a rite of passage, and more than 30% of Canadians live surrounded by water in the Great Lakes region.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/canada-water-agency-government-consolidate-water-data-management/

Sharon Oosthoek

Policy Expert Q&A: Keep advocating with elected officials for safe drinking water

On: September 30, 2020

In: 2020 election, Chicago, Climate change, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature-Chicago, flint, Gary Wilson, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, News, outdoor recreation, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin

Policy Expert Q&A: Keep advocating with elected officials for safe drinking water

The Flint water crisis that made national and international headlines was a failure on many levels, according to University of Chicago Professor Sabina Shaikh.

Particularly, it was a public policy failure, Shaikh told Great Lakes Now in an interview, and the failure in Flint put a spotlight on environmental injustices.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/policy-expert-advocating-elected-officials-safe-drinking-water/

Can the Climate Youth Tip the 2020 Election Against Trump?

On: September 23, 2020

In: Climate change, Collaboration, election 2020, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Latest News, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, youth

Can the Climate Youth Tip the 2020 Election Against Trump?

By Mark Hertsgaard, The Nation

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

On Monday, The Nation and other Covering Climate Now partners held a “First-Time Voter Youth Day” to highlight the voices of the generation most affected by climate change as we launch a week of joint coverage of Climate Politics 2020.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/climate-youth-2020-election-trump/

The Nation

Want the Youth Vote? Prioritize Climate Change

On: September 23, 2020

By Jacob Wallace, The Nation

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

In the speech she gave at the People’s Climate March in Washington in 2017, Jansikwe Medina-Tayac, then 15, told a crowd of thousands, “This [climate change] is not just an environmental issue.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/election-2020-youth-vote-prioritize-climate-change/

The Nation

Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Wisconsin utility shutoffs postponed, Lake Erie wind farm, Minnesota mine legal win

On: September 18, 2020

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.

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

Ian Wendrow

EPA Region 5 refutes internal watchdog report finding possible major issues in record keeping

On: September 9, 2020

In: Collaboration, epa, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin

EPA Region 5 refutes internal watchdog report finding possible major issues in record keeping

By Enrique Saenz, Indiana Environmental Reporter

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regional office in the Midwest is refuting the findings of an internal investigation that found that a lack of record-keeping controls and standard operating procedures could be preventing it from fulfilling federal record-keeping responsibilities.

The EPA’s Office of Inspector General found that Region 5, which oversees EPA activities in Indiana and five other states, could not verify whether employees were using the agency’s official record-keeping system, preserving records for litigation holds and agency use, or knew how to report and investigate a suspected loss of records.

Indiana Environmental Reporter

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/epa-region-5-internal-watchdog-report-record-keeping/

Message to 2020 Candidates: Focus on water quality in Great Lakes states

On: September 8, 2020

In: 2020 election, Cleveland, Detroit, Drinking Water, election, Feature Cleveland, Feature Detroit, Feature Milwaukee, Gary Wilson, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, Latest News, Milwaukee, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts

Message to 2020 Candidates: Focus on water quality in Great Lakes states

Detroit water rights advocate Monica Lewis-Patrick has a few questions for presidential candidates incumbent Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden.

“What’s your water policy? What will you do to protect our drinking water,” Lewis-Patrick asked in a July Healing Our Waters Coalition press release that asked the candidates to support a Great Lakes water platform.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/2020-candidates-water-quality-great-lakes-states/

Trump administration finalizes coal plant pollution rollback

On: September 1, 2020

In: AP, coal, Groundwater Contamination, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, u.s. epa, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts

Trump administration finalizes coal plant pollution rollback

By Matthew Brown and Travis Loller, Associated Press Writers

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Trump administration on Monday finalized its weakening of an Obama-era rule aimed at reducing polluted wastewater from coal-burning power plants that has contaminated streams, lakes and underground aquifers

The change will allow utilities to use cheaper technologies and take longer to comply with pollution reduction guidelines that are less stringent than what the agency originally adopted in 2015.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/ap-trump-administration-coal-plant-pollution-rollback/

Across America, Five Communities in Search of Environmental Justice

On: August 5, 2020

In: Advocacy, Climate change, Collaboration, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Latest News, Minnesota, New York, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice

Across America, Five Communities in Search of Environmental Justice

By Kristoffer Tigue, Nicholas Kusnetz, Judy Fahys, Ilana Cohen and David Hasemyer, InsideClimate News

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

In many ways, Maleta Kimmons defines her neighborhood by what it lacks.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/communities-minnesota-new-york-environmental-justice/

InsideClimate News

PFAS News Roundup: New compound in Artic seawater, Michigan and NY set new rules

On: July 31, 2020

In: forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, New York, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin

PFAS News Roundup: New compound in Artic seawater, Michigan and NY set new rules

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

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/pfas-new-compound-artic-seawater-michigan-rules/

Samantha Cantie

Drinking Water News Roundup: lead in Pittsburgh, NY stream protection bill

On: July 31, 2020

In: Drinking Water, Groundwater Contamination, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts

Drinking Water News Roundup: lead in Pittsburgh, NY stream protection bill

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 ory:

Indiana:

Third Annual Indiana Water Summit Goes Virtual, Presents Strategies For Water Protection And Local Management – WBIW.com

The White River Alliance, the premier organization for regional water resource protection in Indiana, is going virtual for the third annual Indiana Water Summit, a forum developed to examine the complex interests and issues that face Indiana’s water supply.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/drinking-water-lead-pittsburgh-ny-stream-protection/

Emily Simroth

Groups hope NY rules get pollutants out of drinking water

On: July 31, 2020

In: Buffalo, contamination, Drinking Water, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Groundwater Contamination, New York, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts

Groups hope NY rules get pollutants out of drinking water

By Marina Villeneuve, Associated Press Writer

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Clean water activists hope that water suppliers will remove an industrial pollutant under new water standards adopted Thursday in New York.

The state’s Public Health and Health Planning Council adopted standards that set a maximum level for how much of the hard-to-remove chemical 1,4-Dioxane can be in drinking water: 1 part per billion.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/ny-activists-rules-pollutants-drinking-water/

Court: Flint class-action can proceed over lead in water

On: July 30, 2020

In: AP, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, flint, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts

Court: Flint class-action can proceed over lead in water

By Ed White, Associated Press Writer

DETROIT (AP) — Flint residents whose health and homes were harmed by lead-contaminated water scored a legal milestone Wednesday when the Michigan Supreme Court said they could proceed with a lawsuit against public officials for the disastrous decisions that caused the scandal.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/ap-court-flint-class-action-lead-water/

Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Ohio nuclear bailout repeal, Minnesota coal plants, Georgian Bay hydroelectric plant

On: July 29, 2020

In: Cleveland, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, epa, Feature Cleveland, Ian Wendrow, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, renewable energy, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts

Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Ohio nuclear bailout repeal, Minnesota coal plants, Georgian Bay hydroelectric plant

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

In this edition: Great Lakes states join others to sue EPA over new reading of Clean Water Act rule limiting their oversight capacities, Minnesota regulators allow utility company to let coal plants sit idle for half the year, Ontario residents of Georgian Bay lobby against proposed hydroelectric plant, and Ohio’s governor seeks to repeal nuclear bailout.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/ohio-nuclear-bailout-minnesota-coal-georgian-bay-hydroelectric-epa/

Ian Wendrow

Priority Shift: Chicago mayor sets environmental sights on neglected communities

On: July 24, 2020

In: Chicago, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature-Chicago, Gary Wilson, Illinois, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, sustainability

Priority Shift: Chicago mayor sets environmental sights on neglected communities

Since taking office in May 2019, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has emphasized that her environmental priorities are focused on the social justice issues of access to drinking water and clean air.

“The mayor is deeply committed to putting environmental justice at the forefront of her environmental agenda,” spokesperson Hali Levandoski told Great Lakes Now.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/chicago-mayor-environmental-priority-neglected-communities/

Trump Cabinet members look to reassure battleground voters

On: July 9, 2020

In: AP, election, epa, Michigan, News, Pennsylvania, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Trump Administration, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin

Trump Cabinet members look to reassure battleground voters

By Bobby Caina Calvan, Ellen Knickmeyer, and John Flesher, Associated Press Writers

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue tromped through a strawberry festival in central Florida, detailing the government’s new trade pact. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo talked about foreign policy at a roundtable in south Florida.

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/ap-trump-cabinet-members-michigan-wisconsin-voters/

Tribes, advocacy groups sue EPA over rule narrowing scope of federal waterway protections

On: July 8, 2020

In: Collaboration, indigenous communities, Lake Superior, Latest News, Minnesota, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin

Tribes, advocacy groups sue EPA over rule narrowing scope of federal waterway protections

By Enrique Saenz, Indiana Environmental Reporter

A group of native American tribes and labor and environmental groups filed suit to stop the implementation of a new federal rule that limits the scope of waterways under federal protection.

The Quinault Indian Nation, Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Pascua Yaqui Tribe filed suit in Washington state against the U.S.

Indiana Environmental Reporter

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/tribes-advocacy-groups-sue-epa-federal-waterway-protections/

PFAS News Roundup: Potential COVID-19 connection, DOD bill, Michigan lakes and rivers with PFAS foam

On: July 2, 2020

In: COVID-19, epa, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, News, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts

PFAS News Roundup: Potential COVID-19 connection, DOD bill, Michigan lakes and rivers with PFAS foam

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

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/pfas-michigan-foam-pfas-covid-19/

Samantha Cantie

Regulatory Rollbacks: Loss of federal water protections impacts Great Lakes region

On: June 22, 2020

In: Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Groundwater Contamination, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, legislation, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, u.s. epa, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts

Regulatory Rollbacks: Loss of federal water protections impacts Great Lakes region

The Trump administration has made a habit of rolling back federal environmental protections over the past few years.

According to The New York Times, 100 environmental rules have been reversed since President Donald Trump took office. Among those rules are thirteen changes or proposed changes that directly impact the Great Lakes, other regional waterways and drinking water.