Climate & Environmental Policy
16 storiesTypical coverage includes policy explainers, regulatory updates, climate-risk analysis and conservation reporting, with attention to greenhouse gas targets and water regulation. In Climate & Environmental Policy, follow-up centers on the next verifiable decision or milestone.
Federal judge throws out Michigan antitrust suit against oil giants
A federal judge in Michigan has tossed out the state's antitrust case against BP, Chevron, Exxon, Shell, and the American Petroleum Institute, ruling the alleged impact on energy prices is too distant to support damages or an injunction.
Michigan State professor helps shape new climate assessment priorities
Steven Gray from Michigan State University has joined 175 researchers to set new priorities for U.S. climate assessments, aiming to guide future decisions on adaptation, resilience, and risk management nationwide.
Michigan sand dunes face erosion risks as shoreline policies divide experts
Erosion along Michigan's Lake Michigan shoreline is accelerating, with climate change and development putting pressure on the state's dunes. Agencies, environmental groups, and property owners are at odds over how to protect homes and ecosystems.
Michigan Moves to Take Over Carbon Capture Project Permitting
Michigan lawmakers are pushing to shift oversight of underground carbon storage wells from the federal government to the state, hoping to speed up approvals, attract private investment, and support jobs in manufacturing and energy.
Michigan Engineers Push Forward on New Nuclear Reactor Projects as Power Demand Rises
Michigan researchers and industry partners are developing smaller nuclear reactors and new ways to involve communities as the state looks for reliable, low-carbon energy to meet growing electricity needs.
Detroit, Chicago, and Columbus Chosen for New Study on Urban Energy Equity
A $1 million grant will support a three-year research project led by the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, examining how clean energy investments in Detroit, Chicago, and Columbus affect local neighborhoods.
Whitmer Moves to Revoke Line 5 Tunnel Permit in Michigan
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has directed state regulators to reconsider the Line 5 tunnel permit and called on Enbridge to prepare for decommissioning the pipeline, citing risks to Michigan's water, wildlife and economy
Michigan EV Charging Expansion Leaves Low Income Residents Behind
Michigan is rapidly adding electric vehicle charging stations but a new study finds that many low income households remain unable to benefit from the transition due to affordability and home infrastructure barriers
Scarcity Drives New Risks and Opportunities for Local Governments
As demand for water, land, and energy grows, local governments face tough choices about resource allocation while investors see new opportunities. Fragmented oversight can leave communities exposed to risks that cross agency boundaries.
Colorado River Water Cuts Leave Western Towns and Farms Facing Uncertainty
A new federal plan to reduce Colorado River water use is forcing Arizona towns and farmers to reconsider their future, as reservoirs hit record lows and legal battles intensify over shrinking supplies
Forecasters Lower 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook
Meteorologists have reduced their predictions for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season as a strong El Niño pattern develops, increasing the likelihood of fewer storms but not eliminating the risk of severe impacts along the U.S. coast.
Michigan Candidates Split on Future of Line 5 Pipeline
The fate of Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac could shift after November's elections, as Michigan's next governor, attorney general, and U.S. senator may set new legal and policy directions for the controversial project
How Local Governments Are Using Data to Tackle Climate Risks
Local agencies are shifting from passive data collection to proactive strategies, using external datasets and local expertise to strengthen infrastructure resilience against severe weather and climate threats.
El Niño Expected to Bring Wetter, Warmer Winter to Connecticut
Connecticut is likely to see a warmer and wetter winter as forecasters predict a very strong El Niño for the 2026-27 season, with above-normal precipitation and temperatures expected across the state
Frog and Toad Monitoring Reveals Species Shifts in Southeast Michigan
Long-term monitoring by Friends of the Rouge shows four frog species declining and several others increasing in the Rouge River watershed, raising questions about habitat changes and climate impacts in southeast Michigan.
Senator Proposes New Federal Tax on AI Data Centers
A draft proposal from Sen. Ron Wyden would remove current tax breaks for new data centers and introduce an excise tax on facilities handling AI workloads, aiming to address rising energy costs and community impacts. Public feedback is open through August 31.