For Friday, April 19, 2019

…audio…

1 – Say “hello” to EGLE.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality will take on a new name and responsibilities on April 22.

Gov. Whitmer signed an executive order in February, creating the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, or EGLE.

The Executive Order takes effect on Monday, April 22.

Under the order, EGLE assumes many activities of the Michigan Agency for Energy through the creation of a new Office of Climate and Energy.

The Office of the Great Lakes also moves from the Department of Natural Resources into EGLE.

Other notable changes include the creation of an Interagency Environmental Justice Response Team, which will assist in developing, implementing and regularly updating a statewide environmental justice plan.

An Office of the Clean Water Public Advocate also is created to accept and investigate complaints and concerns relating to drinking water quality.

 

2 – Monday, April 22, is also Earth Day.

Bay City will officially celebrate on May 4, with compost and recycling events.

The Edward Golson compost event is Saturday, May 4, from 8:30 a.m. until the compost is gone.

The “black gold” will be available for gardeners and others in the Veterans Memorial Park boat launch parking area.

From 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on May 4, special items also will be accepted for recycling at the new City Service Building on Marquette Avenue.

People can bring batteries, cell phones, prescription pills, household goods, tires and more for proper disposal.

More information is available at BayCityMI.org.

 

3 – The state has announced more than $2 million in funding to support the growth of recycling markets in Michigan.

The 2019 Recycling Market Development Grants will provide support to for-profit and nonprofit businesses and organizations in Michigan.

A Department of Environmental Quality recycling official notes that new uses of materials save energy, reduce water consumption, decrease greenhouse emissions and conserve resources, while also creating jobs.

Requests for funding will be accepted through June 6.

For more details, see www.michigan.gov/mirecycles.

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

-30-