Michigan regulators extend comment period for draft climate plan by a month
State environmental regulators recently extended the public comment period for the draft climate plan to give people more time to take in the extensive document. Officials at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy released the proposed climate action plan last month, which is meant to outline how to decarbonize the state’s economy. Gretchen Whitmer set a goal to make Michigan carbon neutral by 2050, and since then, state workers and the Council on Climate Solutions developed the draft MI Healthy Climate Plan. State officials said the new deadline for public comments on the draft plan will be March 14. Registration for the online videoconference events can be found at www.michigan.gov/climate, where the full draft plan can be downloaded.
mlive.comState officials will give update on air sampling around Kalamazoo factory with odor complaints
The air sampling program is currently underway and gathering both short-term and long-term air quality data, EGLE said. Meanwhile, the city of Kalamazoo is being forced to revisit a previously approved tax abatement for a massive expansion that is underway at Graphic Packaging’s Kalamazoo facility. The city commission previously approved a tax abatement for 12 years, and added contingencies for the tax abatement to be extended for that full term based on progress toward odor reduction. Now, after discussion of the issue at the the Sept. 7 Kalamazoo City Commission meeting, the city commission will consider a shorter, 5-year tax abatement for GPI at its 7 p.m. meting Monday, Sept. 20. The city commission set a public hearing on the updated proposed tax abatement at the regular, virtual meeting.
mlive.com3 ways to make your exercise more effective
Ever feel like you’re not getting results from your workout? Well don’t be discouraged, there are some tricks to make that exercise routine more effective. Nutrition and fitness expert Jody Trierweiler chatted with Host Jason Carr about the importance of breaking a sweat.
Elevated levels of carcinogenic gas found near Howell facility, state says
HOWELL, MI -- A medical sterilizing facility in Howell had unsafe levels of a carcinogenic gas emissions, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy said Thursday. Officials found elevated concentrations of ethylene oxide gas at Centurion Medical Products, a facility located at 301 Catrell Drive and owned by Medline Industries, Inc., the state said in an April 22 news release. The gas is used to sterilize equipment used in the healthcare industry, but is also considered a human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency. At very high levels in the air, the gas can cause immediate health effects like headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue and respiratory irritation. A public meeting may also be scheduled in May through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Livingston County Health Department to inform residents in the area.
mlive.comGroup to discuss energy recommendations for Michigan U.P.
LANSING, Mich. – A group looking into ways to meet energy needs in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is expected to discuss its recommendations during an online public meeting. Energy Task Force will hold its final meeting Tuesday, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. On Sunday’s episode of Flashpoint former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm who currently serves on President Joe Biden’s cabinet as secretary of energy will make an appearance. AdFlashpoint 3/14/21: Energy secretary Jennifer Granholm, county leaders to weigh in on crucial issuesRead more:
Michigan introduces energy security plan in expectation of Line 5 closure
Over the last few years, Michigan officials have been at odds with the company Enbridge, who owns and operates Line 5 -- a major oil pipeline that runs beneath the Straits of Mackinac. AdOn Friday, March 12, the Michigan Public Service Commission introduced the state’s new Propane Security Plan. Though the closure of Line 5 appears to be a “when” issue for Michigan officials, Enbridge officials in January said they have no intention of closing the pipeline. AdOn Nov. 24, 2020, Enbridge filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Michigan, challenging the state’s attempt to revoke the 1953 easement. Enbridge officials argued that shutting down Line 5 is “improper and unlawful,” and that disrupting the oil flow would negatively impact U.S. and Canadian residents and businesses.
Looking to reduce winter heating costs or get payment assistance? This could help
This combination of cooler outdoor temperatures and higher energy use is expected to drive monthly energy bills higher than last year. If Michigan experiences a typical winter, customers will spend, on average, $65 more over the six-month heating season compared to the same six-month period last year. AdThe company offers tools and tips to help customers improve energy efficiency and cut heating costs while staying comfortable and safe this winter. AdConsumers be awareDTE will never call you or come to your door asking to see your natural gas bill. Natural gas is safe and reliable, but like other fuels, it can produce carbon monoxide if it doesn’t burn completely.
Community input needed on energy, water usage ordinance
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The City of Ann Arbor is asking the public for input regarding energy and water usage in commercial and multifamily buildings. A goal of the draft ordinance is to help building owners find opportunities to increase the energy and water efficiency of their buildings, according to a release from the city. Currently, energy and water usage in buildings account for 68% of community-wide greenhouse gas emissions, the release states. “The ordinance will help improve the energy and water efficiency particularly in large buildings across Ann Arbor. The draft ordinance was developed by the City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations (OSI) and a community task force.
President-elect Biden nominates former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm for energy secretary
Biden is expected to pick his former rival Pete Buttigieg as secretary of transportation and Granholm as energy secretary. On Saturday, Dec. 19, Biden officially announced his nomination of former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm as Secretary of Energy while introducing appointees for his new climate and energy teams. Governor Granholm is just like the state she led so effectively for eight years: hard-working, resilient, and forward-thinking. I’m honored that President-elect @joeBiden has placed his faith in me as his Energy Secretary nominee. Governor Granholm also knows better than anyone how to make sure working people and organized labor are included in the clean energy transition.
Testing Affirms Below-Background Radiation Levels At Site Of Detroit River Materials Collapse
The Top 4 Bars For A Special Occasion In DetroitWondering where to find the best bars near you? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best high-end bars in Detroit. The 3 Best Dive Bars In DetroitLooking to try the best dive bars in town? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top dive bars in Detroit. New Downtown Hair Salon 6 Salon - Detroit Opens Its DoorsA new hair salon, nail salon and waxing spot has made its debut in the neighborhood.
detroit.cbslocal.comAir Quality Alert in effect for southeast Michigan today
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has declared Monday July 15th to be an action day for elevated levels of ozone. An air quality alert is in effect for Monroe County and surrounding areas. Here is the forecast:Air Quality AlertSt. Clair-Oakland-Macomb-Washtenaw-Wayne-Lenawee-Monroe- Including the cities of Port Huron, Pontiac, Warren, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Adrian, and Monroe 347 AM EDT Mon Jul 15 2019 ...Air Quality Alert in effect for Monday July 15th... The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has declared Monday July 15th to be an action day for elevated levels of ozone. For further information, please see the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy page at http://www.deqmiair.org
monroenews.comOzone Action Day issued for Monroe County
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (MGLE) has issued the first Air Quality Alert - or Ozone Action Day - for Monroe County this season. That is due, in part, to the actions that residents take on Ozone Action days, giving credence to one of SEMCOG's key messages - that individual actions taken by many can make a difference. The following tips are suggested to help keep the air clean through the Air Quality Alert:Delay mowing your lawn until evening or the next day. The action day is in effect for the following Michigan counties: St. Clair, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Wayne, Lenawee and Monroe. These activities include refueling vehicles or topping off when refueling, using gasoline-powered lawn equipment and using charcoal lighter fluid.
monroenews.com