Environment & Great Lakes - Page 2
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Data Center Debate Shapes Pennsylvania Governor's Race
Pennsylvania's race for governor is now centered on data center development, with new state standards, campaign attacks, and public opposition influencing both candidates' positions ahead of the November election.
Stingray Injuries Surge Along Southern California Beaches in 2026
Southern California beaches have seen a sharp rise in stingray injuries this year, with over 3,100 incidents reported at popular Orange County destinations as warmer ocean temperatures and low surf draw more rays close to shore.
TeraWulf Pledges to Meet Kentucky Data Center Rules at Hancock Site
TeraWulf plans to build a 482-megawatt data center at a former Hancock County aluminum smelter, promising to follow Kentucky's new requirements on taxes, transparency, and environmental compliance as state regulators review its energy contract.
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.
Michigan's Line 5 Pipeline Future Uncertain After Court Ruling
Michigan's Line 5 pipeline remains in limbo as legal battles and permit reviews continue. Recent court decisions have blocked tunnel construction, leaving the pipeline's fate unresolved for residents and businesses across the state.
Missouri Unveils Flood and Drought App for Real-Time Updates
Missouri has launched a new mobile app and website to help residents and officials monitor flood and drought risks, offering real-time data, alerts, and predictions statewide. The project is funded by $10.4 million in federal relief.
Oakland County Targets Invasive Plants Along Major Roadways
Oakland County will treat invasive Phragmites and knotweed along main roads through October, aiming to protect native plants and prevent infrastructure damage in dozens of local communities.
Alabama Data Centers May Outpace Statewide Home Power Use
A wave of proposed data centers in Alabama could consume more electricity than all residential homes combined. Alabama Power says rates won't rise, but residents and experts question whether new laws and oversight will truly protect customers.
Petoskey Rejects Settlement, Will Go to Trial Over Miracle Mile Trail
Petoskey City Council has voted to prepare for trial rather than accept a settlement that could have ended public access to the Miracle Mile section of the Little Traverse Wheelway, a popular lakeside trail closed since a 2020 collapse.
Pennsylvania Sets New Rules for Data Center Projects Statewide
Governor Josh Shapiro has signed an executive order making stricter standards mandatory for new data center developments in Pennsylvania, responding to mounting criticism and concerns about local impacts and energy use
Monmouth County Parks Adds New Fall Hikes for Kids and Teens
Monmouth County Parks System is expanding its fall youth hiking programs, offering new sessions for toddlers, children, and teens at multiple park locations. Registration is open, but spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis
Iowa Launches Tool to Guide Local Data Center Decisions
A new online tool from University of Iowa experts aims to help local governments evaluate the benefits and challenges of proposed data centers, as more communities weigh the impact of these large facilities on resources and infrastructure
Triadelphia Reservoir Water Contact Advisory Issued for Residents
WSSC Water has issued a month-long advisory urging people and pets to avoid direct contact with Triadelphia Reservoir water after harmful algal blooms were detected. Recreation remains open, but extra precautions are recommended for all visitors.
Farmington Hills Lifts Deer Feeding Ban After State Law Change
Farmington Hills residents can now feed wildlife, including deer, under new Michigan rules that override the city's previous ban. The city will no longer issue citations, but state limits and restrictions still apply.
Southwest Riverside County Faces Weeklong Triple-Digit Heat Wave
Residents in Southwest Riverside County should prepare for a full week of triple-digit temperatures, with the hottest conditions expected Thursday and a slight chance of mountain and desert thunderstorms.
Ypsilanti Township Considers Power Moratorium for U-M Data Center
Ypsilanti Township officials will vote on a six-month pause for new power transmission projects as they review the University of Michigan's $1.2 billion data center plan, which could reshape local infrastructure and impact residents near Textile Road.
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
Flash Flood Risk in Hudson County as Heavy Rain Expected Sunday Night
The National Weather Service warns of possible flash flooding in Hudson County Sunday night, with the highest risk in central and southern New Jersey. Up to half an inch of rain and gusty winds are forecast, and fog may linger into Monday morning
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.
Heavy Rain, Flash Flood Risk Expected Sunday in Philadelphia Area
The National Weather Service warns that a storm system could bring intense rainfall and possible flash flooding to the Philadelphia region Sunday afternoon and evening, with severe storms also possible and rainfall rates reaching up to 3 inches per hour.
Anne Arundel County Beaches Reopen After Bacteria Advisory Lifted
Four beaches in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, have reopened to swimmers after a two-week closure due to elevated bacteria levels. Health officials cleared Oyster Harbor, Epping Forest, YMCA Camp Letts, and Londontown at Midland following new water tests.
Texas Data Center Audit Raises Questions as Grid Connections Paused
Texas has paused new data center grid connections for an audit, but key details remain unclear. Tech companies support the move, yet policy experts question whether the audit will slow rapid data center growth or address local concerns.
Data Center Industry Faces Growing Pushback in North Carolina
A wave of new data center proposals in North Carolina is meeting increased public resistance, as residents and local governments question industry claims and demand greater transparency about energy use, tax breaks, and community impact
Whitmer Opposes Consumers Energy Plan to Sell 13 Michigan Dams
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has formally objected to Consumers Energy's proposed sale of 13 hydropower dams to a private equity firm, warning the deal could shift long-term safety and financial risks onto Michigan taxpayers if approved.
California to Phase Out Paraquat Pesticide Linked to Health Risks
California will phase out paraquat, a pesticide tied to birth defects and thyroid issues, after manufacturers withdrew their products following new state health assessments. The move follows years of advocacy and recent regulatory review.
Michigan Lawmaker Proposes Guardrails for Data Center Expansion
A Michigan House representative is urging the state to adopt clear rules for new data centers, focusing on land use, water, electricity, and noise, as Michigan seeks to attract AI-driven industry while protecting local resources.
Michigan Struggles to Meet 2026 Curbside Recycling Access Goal
Michigan set a 2026 deadline for 90% curbside recycling access in urban areas, but many communities remain behind due to high costs and limited infrastructure, raising questions about the state's ability to meet future recycling targets.
Michigan Study Finds Lake Sturgeon May Live Up to 400 Years
A new study using decades of Great Lakes data suggests some Michigan lake sturgeon could be centuries old, challenging previous estimates and raising new questions for fisheries management and conservation.
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