Department of environment great lakes and energy

First, experts from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy spoke to the importance of the newly declared "Microplastics Awareness Week." Then, a Michigan-born recipe developer and cook discussed her new book, Lebanese Baking, a more-than 100 recipe tribute to the flavors and techniques of Lebanon.

The week includes events in which the public can learn about microplastics, participate in cleanups and discover practical solutions to reduce plastic waste at home.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has appointed a new chief climate officer. The University of Michigan is hosting a month-long arts festival. A local podcast provides some advice about making your bed. A poet discusses his first novel. And this week’s episode of On Hand, a Michigan Public podcast.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has issued an air quality advisory through Tuesday, saying wildfire smoke is recirculating over the state.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is taking comments and has scheduled virtual meetings for the public regarding permits to build a tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac for the oil and natural gas liquids pipeline, Line 5.

Solar and wind energy are sporadic sources of power. Even with enough production to power the entire state of Michigan, storage is needed to keep supply steady with demand. Batteries alone won't suffice.

Surface and groundwater protection is covered under Part 31 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. The Legislature prohibited the then-Department of Environmental Quality from making new rules under Part 31 after December 31, 2006.That is still the case.During the current lame duck session, the Legislature is considering bills would lift that ban on making rules for — what is today — the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has updated an online tool that maps which communities may be most susceptible to adverse effects from pollution.

The Michigan Supreme Court gave the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy some disputed discretion in implementing rules on agricultural water pollution.

Legislation to get rid of a committee that reviews plans by the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is headed to the governor's desk.