For Friday, April 5, 2019

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1 – Under new laws that took effect March 21, watercraft users in Michigan are required to take steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Also, anyone fishing with live or cut bait or practicing catch-and-release fishing needs to take precautions to limit the movement of invasive species and fish diseases.

Officials with the state Department of Natural Resources say there are some simple rules of thumb to help navigate the laws: Clean, Drain and Dry.

That is:

• Clean boats trailers, and equipment
• Drain live wells, bilges and all water. Pull all your drain plugs.
• Dry boats and equipment.

Also, Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash. And if you practice catch-and-release fishing, return the fish to the water where it was caught.

2 – Consumers Energy and other stakeholders have filed a settlement with the Michigan Public Service Commission on the company’s Integrated Resource Plan.

The company says the plan positions Consumers Energy as a national clean energy leader.

The Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club and the Michigan Environmental Council intervened in the case and signed on to the settlement.

The company says its Clean Energy Plan outlines a path to zero coal while ensuring affordable and reliable energy for Michigan families and businesses.

The plan details how the company will meet the state’s energy needs with increased use of energy efficiency programs and significantly more renewable energy.

The next step in the process is for the Commission to review the settlement agreement.

If approved, the terms of the settlement would ensure that Consumers retires Karn coal units 1 and 2 in Bay County in 2023, according to the environmental council.

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard Friday mornings in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Q-90.1 FM NPR. Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes

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