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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

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In: AP, Drinking Water, economy, Great Lakes, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Even in water-rich Michigan, no guarantee of enough for all

By John Flesher, Associated Press

ALLENDALE, Mich. (AP) — Dale Buist knew running a commercial greenhouse would pose challenges. He just never expected a water shortage to be among them. Not in Michigan, with its vast aquatic riches.

Yet a couple of irrigation wells yielded only a trickle.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/ap-water-rich-michigan-no-guarantee/

The Associated Press

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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

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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

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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

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In: activism, Advocacy, Books, Books, Authors, Art and Music, Detroit, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Gary Wilson, History and Culture, Latest News, News, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Canada’s Maude Barlow chronicles 40 years of activism in new book, “Still Hopeful”

For Maude Barlow, the importance of hope was instilled by her parents as a child while having her morning oatmeal. It grew into a “lifelong mantra” that took her through the travails of 40 years of social justice and environmental activism in Canada and on the international stage.

Now, Barlow chronicles that hopeful trek in her 20th book, Still Hopeful: Lessons From A Lifetime Of Activism.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/maude-barlow-activism-book-still-hopeful/

Gary Wilson

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In: Climate change, Collaboration, Commercial Fishing, Fish, Birds and Animals, ice fishing, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, invasive species, Lake Superior, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Science, Technology, Research, Tribal Governments and First Nations
Breaking up: Ice loss is changing one Anishinaabe fisherman’s relationship with Lake Superior

By Jolene Banning, The Narwhal

This story first ran on The Narwhal, a non-profit news organization that publishes in-depth stories about Canada’s natural world.

Sometime in the early 1990s, the ice was so unusually thick and smooth on Gitchigumi that Anishinaabe fisherman Phillip Solomon drove his car, a 1984 Monte Carlo, across the lake from Fort William First Nation to Pie Island with a friend.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/ice-loss-anishinaabe-fishermen-lake-superior/

The Narwhal

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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

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Climate change, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Line 5’s impact on climate change being reviewed as part of tunnel decision

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/2022/02/line-5-impact-climate-change-reviewed/

Michigan Radio

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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: canada, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect
New report finds Enbridge Line 5 closure will cause little pain to Michigan

By Zahra Ahmad, 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/new-report-enbridge-line-5-closure-michigan/

Bridge Michigan

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In: Climate change, Feature Homepage, ice, ice cover, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Cold Cover: Great Lakes ice forms after initial low percentage

A recent burst of cold weather has boosted Great Lakes ice coverage from initial projections that were well below historical average back to the typical range.

But the current levels still expose a long-term trend of overall declining coverage, scientists say.

“In terms of Great Lakes ice cover, we do see decline and reduced ice cover in recent decades,” Ayumi Fujisaki-Manome, assistant research scientist with the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research, 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/2022/02/great-lakes-ice-forms/

Natasha Blakely

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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

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In: AP, coastal systems, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, restoration, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan coastal management projects, programs get $1.1M

HANCOCK, Mich. (AP) — More than $1.1 million in grants have been awarded to 17 coastal management projects and programs in Michigan.

Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy says the funding will help protect, preserve, enhance and wisely develop the state’s coastal resources.

Recipients are located across Michigan and include $45,000 for Hancock to do a feasibility analysis for nature-based shore protection and restoration.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/ap-michigan-coastal-management/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, Hunting, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Wildlife, wolves
Judge restores protections for gray wolves across much of US

By Matthew Brown and John Flesher, Associated Press

BILLINGS, Mont (AP) — A judge restored federal protections for gray wolves across much of the U.S. on Thursday, after their removal in the waning days of the Trump administration exposed the predators to hunting that critics said would undermine their rebound from widespread extermination early last century.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/ap-judge-protections-gray-wolves/

The Associated Press

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In: canada, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, nuclear, nuclear waste, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Science, Technology, Research
Holding in the deep: What Canada wants to do with its decades-old pileup of nuclear waste

By Emma McIntosh, The Narwhal

This story first ran on The Narwhal, a non-profit news organization that publishes in-depth stories about Canada’s natural world.

The final resting place of Canada’s most radioactive nuclear waste could be a cave about as deep below the surface as the CN Tower is tall.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/canada-old-pileup-nuclear-waste/

The Narwhal

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In: Chicago, Climate change, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research, sustainability
Hydroponic greenhouses continue to offer solution to urban food deserts

Urban areas around the Midwest struggle with food deserts and dense populations, a problem exacerbated by climate change impacts and the conversion of farmlands to residential developments. However, a potential solution can be found in hydroponics facilities being established in cities around the Great Lakes region like Detroit, Cleveland, Toronto and Chicago.   

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/hydroponic-greenhouses-urban-food-deserts/

Audrey Henderson

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In: buffalo reef, Feature Homepage, Gary Wilson, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, indigenous communities, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Federal Great Lakes restoration program should focus on protection and flexibility, says Ojibwe leader

As the U.S. EPA prepares to expand its Great Lakes Restoration Initiative with the $1 billion-dollar windfall from the infrastructure bill, Ojibwe Tribal executive Michael “Mic” Isham has a vision to bolster the program.   

Isham wants an increased emphasis on protection of the Great Lakes with a priority for Lake Superior, which Isham says is the “cultural and historic center” of the Ojibwe tribes.   

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/federal-great-lakes-restoration-program-protection-flexibility/

Gary Wilson

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

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In: AP, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Feature Lead, flint, Flint Water Crisis, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Judge awards millions to lawyers in Flint water settlement

By Ed White, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — A judge awarded about $40 million Friday to the lead attorneys in a $626 million settlement for Flint residents and property owners whose water was contaminated with lead, but millions in additional legal fees will also be carved out as claimants get paid.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/ap-lawyers-flint-settlement/

The Associated Press

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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

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In: Collaboration, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, ports, shipping, Shipping and Ports
$3.7M grant to aid Lafarge port upgrades

By Julie Riddle, The Alpena News

This article is part of a collaboration between The Alpena News and Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television to bring audiences stories about the Great Lakes, especially Lake Huron and its watershed.

ALPENA – An Alpena company will snag a piece of more than $241 million in grants awarded to upgrade U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/grant-aid-lafarge-port-upgrades/

The Alpena News

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In: Feature Homepage, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Michigan, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Science, Technology, Research
Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ found in Michigan farm’s beef

By John Flesher, Associated Press

Beef produced at a small Michigan farm was found to contain toxic “forever chemicals” after the cattle were fed crops grown with fertilizer made from contaminated wastewater biosolids, state officials said Friday.

A consumption advisory issued by state agencies stopped short of a recall, noting there are no government standards for the substances in beef.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/ap-forever-chemicals-michigan-beef/

The Associated Press

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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

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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

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In: Climate change, Collaboration, Duluth, government, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Minnesota, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, The States
Minnesota cities hope climate emergency resolutions add urgency to responses

By Frank Jossi

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

St. Paul last week joined a growing list of Minnesota cities passing climate resolutions aimed at adding urgency to state and local climate actions.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/minnesota-cities-climate-resolutions/

Energy News Network

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In: Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Minnesota, News, News Roundup Drinking Water, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Drinking Water News Roundup: New Illinois water quality bill, Minnesota mine lease canceled, Ontario’s wetland filtration

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:  

  • IL Bill Could Impact Waters as Distant as Gulf of Mexico—Public News Service  

Legislators in Illinois are looking favorably upon a bill that may improve water quality for a large portion of the nation.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/water-quality-bill-mine-wetland/

Maya Sundaresan

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

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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

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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

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In: alternative energy, Climate change, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Huron, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, wind turbines
Wind Turbines: Where do they cluster around the Great Lakes?

Huge breezes are commonplace around the Great Lakes, which is part of why the region makes a good location for wind turbines.

Though wind power has been utilized for centuries, it has only been harnessed as a widespread alternative energy source as recently as the 1990s.

In 2016, the United States Geological Survey began tracking wind turbines.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/wind-turbines-great-lakes/

Alex Hill

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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.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

The Associated Press

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, ice cover, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Recreation and Tourism, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research
Great Lakes researchers predict record-low ice coverage

By 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/low-ice-coverage/

Michigan Radio

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In: AP, benton harbor, Drinking Water, Feature Lead, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Work continues on removing lead water lines in Benton Harbor

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP) — More than 400 water service lines in Benton Harbor have been replaced or verified to be free of lead, according to state officials.

City officials also are reviewing bids from contractors for removal of an estimated 3,900 lead service lines, Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services said this week in a release.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/ap-lead-water-lines-benton/

The Associated Press

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In: Algae Blooms, Drinking Water, Indiana, Latest News, News, News Roundup Drinking Water, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Science, Technology, Research, toxic algae, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: Toxic algae blooms in Indiana, First Nations $8B settlement, Wisconsin lead pipe replacement 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:

Indiana: 

  • More blue-green algae could drive up drinking water bills in Indiana’s larger cities —WFYI Indianapolis 

The increasingly warm air and heavy rain showers have caused a rise in toxic algae blooms, which has led to fish sickness, beach closures, and drinking water pollution.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/drinking-water-news-roundup-toxic-algae-blooms/

Maya Sundaresan

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In: AP, coal ash, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, environmental protection agency, Groundwater Contamination, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
EPA moves to crack down on dangerous coal ash storage ponds

By Matthew Daly, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency is taking its first major action to address toxic wastewater from coal-burning power plants, ordering utilities to stop dumping waste into unlined storage ponds and speed up plans to close leaking or otherwise dangerous coal ash sites.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/ap-epa-dangerous-coal-ash/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, Drinking Water, Feature Lead, flint, Flint Water Crisis, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Judge: Lawsuit can proceed against Flint water contractor

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A judge on Monday refused to dismiss a lawsuit against an engineering company, which is accused of not doing enough to stop the flow of lead-contaminated water in Flint in 2015.

Four families are suing Veolia North America. The company did not participate in the recent $626 million settlement with Flint residents, mostly paid by the state.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/ap-lawsuit-flint-water-contractor/

The Associated Press

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A small, red-bellied snake might be reconsidered for protection under the Endangered Species Act

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.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/red-bellied-snake-endangered/

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Drinking Water, Feature Lead, flint, Flint Water Crisis, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Flint water crisis settlement claims process begins this week

By 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.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/flint-water-crisis-settlement-claims/

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In: Advocacy, AP, biden administration, Climate change, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Trump Administration, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Environmental justice in spotlight as WH official departs

By Drew Costley, Associated Press

The White House’s top official on environmental justice is stepping down a year after President Joe Biden took office with an ambitious plan to help disadvantaged communities and overhaul policies that have historically hurt them.

The departure Friday of Cecilia Martinez, senior director for environmental justice at the Council for Environmental Quality, puts a spotlight on both the administration’s successes and promises yet to be fulfilled.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/ap-environmental-justice-official/

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In: AP, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Michigan, News, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, upper peninsula, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Ohio company will pay nearly $250K for Michigan fish kill

ESCANABA, Mich. (AP) — A paper mill in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has agreed to pay nearly $250,000 to settle an investigation of a fish kill in the Escanaba River, state regulators said.

A “catastrophic pipe failure” at the Verso Corp. site in Escanaba resulted in a discharge of partially treated wastewater in August 2020, regulators said.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/ap-ohio-company-pay-250k/

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In: AP, drownings, Lake Michigan, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation and Tourism, swimming
South Haven adds Lake Michigan restrictions in bad weather

SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. (AP) — A southwestern Michigan town that swells with summer visitors is taking steps to keep people out of Lake Michigan during hazardous conditions.

The city council in South Haven agreed to install gates to close popular piers at certain times. Swimmers also could be fined if they’re in the lake, though surfers or kite boarders who embrace big wind and waves would be exempt.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/ap-south-haven-restrictions/

The Associated Press

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In: Climate change, Feature Homepage, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research, wind
Breeze Boost: What’s the connection between breezy Lake Michigan days and high ozone levels?

The day was like any other in summer on the Lake Michigan coast: hot. But Charles Stanier remembers the breeze.  

It was the summer of 2017, and he’d been working up a sweat in a trailer in Illinois Beach State Park. A professor of chemical and biochemical engineering at the University of Iowa, Stanier spent the morning checking instruments, climbing up and down ladders, and wondering if anything would come of all his team’s work.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/lake-michigan-ozone-levels/

Lina Tran

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In: Agriculture, Climate change, Feature Homepage, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, plants, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation and Tourism, Research, Science, Technology, Research
Bugs, Shorter Winters, Climate: Great Lakes vineyards face changing circumstances

The Erie County Ag Research Corporation facility started as a small building in northeast Pennsylvania near the Lake Erie shore in 1948. Pennsylvania State University bought it just four years later.  

Now, Penn State’s grape research center boasts 43 acres and has a joint program with Cornell University’s Grape Research Lab in New York.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/great-lakes-vineyards-changing/

Capri S. Cafaro

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, road salt, Science, Technology, Research
Road salt threatens Michigan lakes and rivers. Can an alternative take hold?

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.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/road-salt-michigan-lakes/

Bridge Michigan

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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.

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Great Lakes Now

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

Hakai Magazine

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In: birds, conservation, endangered species, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Great Lakes Moment: Kirtland’s warblers are thriving in Michigan

Once living on the brink of extinction, the Kirtland’s warbler is now thriving thanks to collaborative conservation efforts. 

The Kirtland’s warbler is one of the largest and rarest songbirds in North America. This handsome yellow-and-gray warbler is named for Dr. Jared Kirtland, on whose farm near Cleveland, Ohio, the first specimen was collected in 1851.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/great-lakes-moment-warblers/

John Hartig

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In: AP, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, local economics, mines, Minnesota, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Minnesota regulators reaffirm air permit for proposed mine

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — State regulators who three years ago issued an air quality permit for a proposed copper-nickel mine in northwestern Minnesota stood by their decision in a report released Monday that said the mine did not provide misleading information on its plans.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency report is a blow to several environmental groups and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, although it does not clear the way for construction.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-minnesota-regulators-mine/

The Associated Press

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In: Algae Blooms, algal blooms, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Feature Homepage, harmful algal blooms, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Environmental group says Gov. Whitmer’s plan to reduce harmful algal blooms ‘won’t work’

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.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/environmental-groups-algal-blooms/

Michigan Radio

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In: Advocacy, AP, drainage, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Minnesota, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect
Minnesota Supreme Court to review drainage projects ruling

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court announced Tuesday it will review a ruling by the Minnesota Court of Appeals that provided environmental protections for Renville County’s last free-flowing stream.

The October appeals court decision called for an environmental review to determine whether a proposed drainage ditch improvement could harm the stream in the heavily agricultural western county.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-minnesota-supreme-court-drainage-projects/

The Associated Press