For Friday, Aug. 4, 2023

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1 – One of Saginaw Bay’s “greatest restoration success stories” continues on Aug. 19. 

That’s when more baby sturgeon will be released into the Saginaw Bay watershed during public events. 

The releases will reintroduce more than 100 hatchery-raised sturgeon into each tributary of the watershed: the Cass, Flint, Shiawassee and Tittabawassee rivers.

The Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative, funded by area foundations, has supported the efforts. 

The group notes that sturgeon were once abundant in many Michigan lakes and rivers. But the fish were nearly eradicated due to overfishing and habitat loss. 

In recent years, partnerships and projects are working to restore sturgeon to a self-sustaining level in Michigan. 

More info about the public release events is online at saginawbaysturgeon.org.

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2 – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed bills to expand clean energy in the state. 

Two House bills will allow local governments and solar energy developments to opt into payments in lieu of taxes. This change cuts red tape and clears the way for more solar energy in Michigan, the governor says. 

Two Senate bills signed by the governor expand the eligibility of properties and projects for Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy financing. That’s a program that allows local governments to work with building owners and contractors on energy efficient and climate resilient projects.

One last Senate bill repeals the requirement that state regulations be no stricter than federal rules. The governor says this strengthens Michigan’s ability to protect natural resources, respond to environmental crises, clean up contaminants, and ensure clean air and water for residents. 

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3 – Michigan leads the country in clean energy jobs. 

The nonprofit news site Michigan Advance reports that we hold the top spot based on more than 15,800 clean energy jobs created in the past year. 

A report from the communications firm Climate Power says Michigan also has the greatest number of clean energy projects in the country, securing more than $21 billion in investments. 

According to Michigan Advance, the federal Inflation Reduction Act is providing resources for this boom. 

Michigan is projected to create 167,000 clean energy jobs over the next decade as a result of the investments. 

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard Fridays at 9:30 a.m. in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Public Radio 90.1 FM (listen live). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes

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