For Friday, Feb. 9, 2024
1 – What’s in store for Michigan under the clean energy package signed into law late last year?
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said at a recent panel put on by the advocacy group Evergreen Action that policies including a 100 percent by 2040 clean energy standard for the state will help to bring $7.8 billion in federal investments to Michigan, create thousands of jobs and lower electricity costs by an average of $145 a year.
According to Michigan Advance, the panel also included a number of environmental advocates who raised concerns about the lack of accountability for energy companies.
Lisa Wozniak from the Michigan League of Conservation Voters called the package “historic” but said more work needs to be done. That includes allowing communities to install their own solar operations.
Wozniak also highlighted efforts in progress, including legislation to allow Michigan communities to establish independently owned and subscribed community solar programs, removing the state’s cap on rooftop solar, and improving energy reliability in the state.
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2 – Almost $66 million in Clean Water grants will go to Michigan communities to upgrade water infrastructure.
One of the largest grants, for $10.3 million, is going to the city of Beaverton in Gladwin County.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy says the Beaverton project includes replacement of old undersized watermains and new watermains on several streets.
A new source well also will be installed in Beaverton along with an elevated storage tank with mixing equipment, a backup generator and new water meters.
Officials say the $66 million in upgrades across the state are meant to ensure that community water systems protect public health and the environment.
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3 – Have you heard about Great Lakes ReNEW?
The U.S. National Science Foundation has awarded up to $160 million over 10 years to Current, a Chicago-based water innovation hub.
Current will lead Great Lakes ReNEW, a six-state partnership including Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.
ReNEW aims to turn waste into wealth by figuring out to remove dangerous forever chemicals, such as PFAS, and valuable minerals, such as lithium, from wastewater.
According to an announcement, the vision is that American manufacturers would then reuse some of these extracted valuable minerals, enabling domestic production of batteries and fertilizers, almost all of which are currently imported.
Some of the more than 50 partners include Dow, Whirlpool, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.
Find more information online at CurrentWater.org.
– Mr. Great Lakes is heard at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on Delta College Public Radio 90.1 FM in University Center, Michigan, near Bay City (listen live). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes
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Mr Great Lakes 