For Friday, Nov. 2, 2019

1 – Wind turbines should be installed in the Upper Midwest and solar power should be installed in the Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic regions. 

That’s in order to achieve the biggest improvements in public health and the greatest benefits from renewable energy, according to a new Harvard study. 

Researchers developed a model of the U.S. electrical grid, then calculated the benefits of carbon dioxide reduction for regions and energy types. 

They say the results provide a strong argument for installing more renewable energy to reduce the health impacts of climate change, and the health burden of air pollution.

The benefits are said to be much higher from deploying renewable energy in places like the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest, where it tends to displace coal, than in California, where it tends to displace gas.

2 – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the state’s Public Service Commission have launched a new initiative called MI Power Grid. 

It’s designed to guide residents and businesses through the state’s transition to clean energy.

Officials say this is a critical time for Michigan, as older coal plants are being replaced by cleaner energy, and an industry dominated traditionally by large power plants faces a future with smaller, more widespread sources of energy such as wind and solar.

MI Power Grid will have three areas of emphasis:

• Customer engagement
• Integrating emerging technologies
• And Optimizing grid performance and investments.

You can find out more online at michigan.gov/MIPowerGrid.

3 – Considering composting or mowing your leaves this fall. 

Composting involves scooping leaves into a pile or containing them in a bin and leaving them to naturally decompose. 

If a compost pile isn’t ideal, you can use a lawn mower to shred the leaves and let them stay to fertilize the grass. 

If you choose to burn leaves, visit Michigan.gov/BurnPermit or check local regulations to see if a permit is required. 

Burning leaves is discouraged, because it can lead to forest fires, as well as being a nuisance or health hazard to neighbors.

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