For Friday, Jan. 30, 2026

1 – If current demand continues, data centers will drive up power generation from gas and coal, along with emissions and electricity costs. 

That’s according to a new report by the Union of Concerned Scientists. It analyzes a variety of future scenarios amid a boom in the growth of data centers to power Artificial Intelligence. 

As highlighted by the nonprofit news site Circle of Blue, the report’s authors estimate that even in a mild-growth scenario, power generation from gas and coal will be 11 percent higher in the year 2035, carbon emissions would reach up to 72 percent more; and electricity system costs would be 73 percent higher.

The Union of Concerned Scientists says the analysis shows that powering data centers with clean energy is more affordable, safer, and healthier than using fossil fuels. But they note that stronger federal, state, and local policies are needed. 

h/t Circle of Blue

…

2 – The state is out with a draft Maritime Strategy, a first-of-its-kind, 10-year-plan officials say is designed to unlock economic growth and create good-paying jobs across Michigan’s maritime industry. 

According to the governor’s office, the strategy provides a roadmap for state departments to help attract new investments, foster innovation, and strengthen Michigan’s water-based economy while protecting natural resources.   

Michigan ports support about 17,000 jobs and contribute $3.3 billion a year to the state economy. Water-based tourism supports about 45,000 jobs and generates nearly $12 billion a year in the state.

The strategy was developed through a year-long process with more than 200 participants from government, industry, business, communities, and academia.

More information is online at Michigan.gov/maritime.  

…

3  – An online tool built by the Great Lakes Commission tracks major Great Lakes and clean water related projects funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and other federal programs. 

The Healing our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition notes that the Great Lakes Investment Tracker can show spending by cities, counties and Congressional districts.

For Bay County, the tracker shows 27 projects funded as of 2024, including efforts to control invasive plants, restore rock reef in Saginaw Bay and monitor water quality. 

The tracker is online at Investments.GLC.org. 

– Mr. Great Lakes (Science Podcast of the Year) is heard at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on Delta College Public Radio 90.1 FM WUCX in University Center, Michigan, near Bay City (listen live). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes