Environment & Great Lakes - Page 4
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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.
U-M Confirms $1.2B Data Center in Ypsilanti Township Despite Opposition
The University of Michigan will move forward with a $1.2 billion research computing center in Ypsilanti Township, partnering with Los Alamos National Laboratory. Local officials say too many project details remain undisclosed and vow to keep fighting.
New Water Watch Center Offers Cyber Support for Small Utilities
A new Water Watch Center has launched to help small water utilities defend against cyberattacks, as recent incidents in multiple states raise concerns about threats to local water systems
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.
Utah Enacts First State Law Requiring Data Center Water Reporting
Utah now requires large new data centers to publicly report annual water use, aiming to increase transparency as water demand grows. The law, signed in March, is already influencing similar efforts in other states.
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