Gobble-up energy savings with these tips for Thanksgiving and the holiday season
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that cooking alone generally accounts for about 5% of total home energy use, and this figure doesnโt include the energy costs associated with refrigeration, hot water heating and dishwashing.
3 ways to make your exercise more effective
Ever feel like youโre not getting results from your workout? Well donโt 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.
Group to discuss energy recommendations for Michigan U.P.
LANSING, Mich. โ A group looking into ways to meet energy needs in Michiganโs 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 Sundayโs episode of Flashpoint former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm who currently serves on President Joe Bidenโs 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 stateโs new Propane Security Plan. Though the closure of Line 5 appears to be a โwhenโ 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 stateโs attempt to revoke the 1953 easement. Enbridge officials argued that shutting down Line 5 is โimproper and unlawful,โ 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 doesnโt burn completely.
Community input needed on energy, water usage ordinance
ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ 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. โThe 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. Iโm 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.
President-elect Biden introduces appointees for new climate, energy team
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris introduced the individuals nominated and appointed to their climate and energy team at an event on Saturday, Dec. 19. On Tuesday, a report from CNN indicated that Biden would nominate former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to lead the U.S. Department of Energy. Progressives, energy lobbyists, environmental groups and auto workers welcomed Bidenโs choice of popular former Mayor Pete Buttigieg as transportation secretary. Jennifer Granholm for energy secretary and former Environmental Protection Agency chief Gina McCarthy as leader of domestic climate efforts also were met with general applause. Biden is also tapping environmental lawyer and Obama administration official Brenda Mallory to run the Council on Environmental Quality, the president-elect announced Thursday.
Ann Arbor business owner named 2020 Energy Waste Reduction Champion
ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) has named Ann Arbor small business owner Breanne Stuart as an 2020 Energy Waste Reduction Champion. She was honored with the award at SBAMโs recent Leadership Council event after demonstrating a commitment to reducing energy waste. Stuart, who opened her business in 2008, worked with SBAMโs Energy Solutions program to have an energy assessment completed on her business. Given her swift action and clear commitment to reducing energy waste, Breanne is an exemplary recipient for our 2020 Energy Waste Reduction Champion award.โThe Small Business Association of Michigan is an organization with over 28,000 small business owner members. The SBAM Energy Solutions program is offered in partnership with DTE Energy to help Michiganโs small businesses with enhanced energy management services.
Trust Index: Fact-checking Trump-Biden final debate comments on climate change
Climate change was the focus of one of the sections during the final presidential debate Thursday night as it was the first time voters were able to hear from both President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden on their records and plans to combat climate change. The Trust Index team is labeling this โbe carefulโ because it depends on the number the President is using. Biden on climate change timelineFinally, one more from Biden on the climate change timeline. โWe donโt have much time, weโre going to pass the point of no return, return the next eight to 10 years,โ he said. More fact checks from the final presidential debate:Presidential Town Hall fact checks from the Trust Index:First Presidential debate fact checks from the Trust Index:
Michigan rejects Macomb County sewage treatment lagoon plan
DETROIT Michigan regulators have rejected a suburban Detroit county's plan to convert state waters into an open-air sewage treatment lagoon. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said Friday it had denied Macomb County's application to place the structure at the end of the Chapaton Retention Treatment Basin. Among them: removing illicit sewer connections, addressing failing septic systems and filtering stormwater tributaries to the Chapaton Retention Treatment Basin through upstream green infrastructure projects. Officials said they also had concerns about a potential public nuisance created by an open-air sewage lagoon so close to existing residences, boat launches and a marina. Read more: Looking for coronavirus (COVID-19) clues in Macomb Countys raw sewage
20 low and no-cost tips to help lower your energy bill this summer and all year long
One of the simplest ways to save money and energy at home is to swap out bulbs for ENERGY STAR certified LEDs. Homeowners can save about 10% of their total energy bills by sealing air leaks first, followed by adding insulation. Check your air filter every month, especially during months of heavy use. Seal off air leaks with foil faced tape rather than duct tape. For more low and no-cost tips to help you manage your energy use and lower your energy bill, click here.
Track your water consumption in Ann Arbor with new online tool
ANN ARBOR The city of Ann Arbor has announced that water customers can now use a free online tool -- called AquaHawk -- to help track their water consumption and receive alerts via text, phone or email. Only one account per customer number should be added. Those with multiple accounts with the same customer number will be linked within 24 hours. In addition to tracking usage, customers will also be notified of any detected leaks and when they are about to exceed their preferred water consumption limit. Contact customer service at the city of Ann Arbor at 734.794.6320 or customerservice@a2gov.org Like what youre reading?
Ann Arbor City Council unanimously adopts carbon neutrality plan
ANN ARBOR During its June 1 meeting, Ann Arbor City Council unanimously adopted the A2Zero Carbon Neutrality Plan aimed at helping the entire community achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The plan stems from a climate emergency declaration by City Council on Nov. 4, 2019 that asked staff to craft a comprehensive carbon neutrality plan to be achieved in partnership with the community. It necessitates bold, ambitious and immediate action," Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor said in a statement. Over the last several months, our amazing staff came together with community members, organizations and experts to craft the A2Zero Carbon Neutrality Plan. With todays vote, Ann Arbor has committed to do its part, to do the hard, transformative work to meet our carbon neutrality goals."
Kicking off Earth Week with DTE Energy!
This article is sponsored by DTE EnergyHost Tati Amare talked to Trevor Lauer, the President and COO of DTE Energy about the expansion of renewable energy with General Motors in Southeast Michigan. General Motors has partnered with DTE Energy to sign up 100% of their electricity usage in Southeast Michigan for renewable energy under the MI Green Power program. Their usage could be compared to 100 homes using renewable energy. DTE customers can also contribute to the MI Green Power program by signing up to receive up to 15% renewable energy in their homes. To join MI Green Power to support renewable energy and learn how changing your energy source can help the environment visit dteeneegy.com/migreenpowerWatch the video to learn more about how you can help the planet by using renewable energy in your home.
Whatโs next for Michigan when it comes to clean energy?
Did you realize DTE Energy is pro-renewable energy -- and has a goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050? The energy company says itโs doing as much as it can, as fast as it can, to provide its customers and the state of Michigan with clean energy thatโs affordable and reliable. In the next decade, DTE will triple its renewable energy assets, generating enough energy from wind and solar to power more than 1.3 million homes with clean energy. The energy companyโs renewable investments have been the catalyst for 4,000 clean energy jobs in the state, DTE officials said. Renewable energy goes beyond the energy industry.