For Friday, Dec. 6, 2019

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1 – Michigan property owners affected by high water levels and shoreline erosion can access permit information and other resources through a dedicated web page. 

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has published the page at Michigan.gov/HighWater.

The department says the lakes are experiencing the highest water levels since 1986, and storms and wave action are causing erosion and shoreline flooding. 

Officials add that water levels on the Great Lakes are cyclical with periods of low and high water. Each period lasts for several years depending on the amount of precipitation, runoff and evaporation that occurs.

The online resources at Michigan.gov/HighWater include information on water levels, permit applications to address erosion, and a list of shoreline protection contractors. 

 

2 – Michigan’s two largest utilities see an increasing role for renewable natural gas as part of their climate change commitments. 

But, they say high costs and a lack of policy incentives remain key barriers to deployment.

Renewable natural gas comes from sites like landfills and agriculture waste where methane is captured and processed. The fuel can be used for electricity, heating and transportation. 

According to the Energy News Network, DTE Energy has the only voluntary program in the state for customers to buy renewable gas. 

Consumers Energy plans to reach net-zero methane emissions for its gas delivery system by 2030. 

Eighty percent of those emissions will be removed from its existing gas distribution lines while the remaining 20% will be offset with renewable natural gas.

– 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

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