michigan department of environment great lakes and energy

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.

The previous House budget would have cut Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy by 19%, while the adopted budget reduces the agency’s funding by 7%.

The massive oil spill in the Kalamazoo River 15 years ago polluted the water and shoreline and left oil-coated wildlife. More than a million gallons of oil was recovered along a more than 35 mile stretch of the river.

Michigan is working toward reducing food waste to help get the state to its carbon emission reduction goals. Some programs include organizations that bring unused food to food banks, and automated robots that pick up food scraps.

Advocates say information about the state's findings on the Wyandotte water system should have been available to the public much earlier.

Michigan has many aging dams across the state. One dam on Trout Lake in Gladwin county Michigan is at risk of failing, according to state officials. Higher water pressure from spring runoff prompted an "emergency" drawdown of Trout Lake water levels to prevent dam failure.

The State of the Great Lakes report includes a number of accomplishments and jobs still ahead for improving the environment and the well-being of the people who drink, fish, and swim in the waters.

State Senator Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) introduced a bill last week that would tighten restrictions for hazardous waste facilities, including those licensed to take radioactive waste.

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.

The Lions' recent playoff victory, a Michigan Supreme Court case that could have serious consequences for Michigan's water, ties between Hillsdale College and the 2020 presidential election, and a trip to a magazine and concept shop in Detroit.