Q-90.1's The Environment Report

Analysts are talking about “lost winter” days around the world. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has an updated action plan for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Michigan saw some “clean water wins” in 2024. For more, visit https://mrgreatlakes.com/

Rep. Dan Kildee says he’s leading a bipartisan effort to stop Canada from storing nuclear waste near the Great Lakes. Geographic Information Systems empower environmental stewardship and decision-making. Consumers Energy has submitted an amended renewable energy plan to the Michigan Public Service Commission. For more, visit: https://mrgreatlakes.com/

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has become a hotspot for rare owl sightings this fall. Fishery businesses are taking a pledge to make sure no part of a fish goes to waste. And Michigan’s recycling rate is at an all-time high for the third consecutive year. For more, visit: https://mrgreatlakes.com/

Central Michigan University researchers are working with communities to prepare for flooding driven by climate change. Michigan's environmental agency has a new air monitoring dashboard. Trump’s agenda is expected to emphasize fossil fuel production, ease environmental regulations, and potentially halt climate-related initiatives. For more, visit: https://mrgreatlakes.com/

Great Lakes groups are already reaching out to President-elect Donald Trump. A Michigan Climate Investment Accelerator aims to attract billions of dollars to develop clean energy projects. This year, the state plans to monitor surface water quality in the Saginaw Bay area. For more, visit https://mrgreatlakes.com/

Fall colors peak in the Saginaw Bay region next week. Learn how composting yard waste can fight climate change while enriching your garden. And find out what it means to be climate literate. For more, visit: https://mrgreatlakes.com/

In this episode, we celebrate 15 years of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and explore how utility-scale solar energy projects are boosting property values in the Midwest. Plus, we break down the U.S. EPA’s new lead and copper rule improvements, which mandate the replacement of lead service lines within the next decade. For more information: https://mrgreatlakes.com/

Be on the lookout for Michigan Department of Natural Resources personnel conducting nighttime walleye surveys. Federal agencies are expanding the number of moored heat sensors in lakes Huron, Superior, and Michigan. For more visit: https://mrgreatlakes.com/

A crowdfunding campaign is on to gather the last bit of money for a waterfront park on Saginaw Bay in Linwood. A conceptual vision is out for the site of the old Consumers Energy Karn power plant. For more, visit https://mrgreatlakes.com/

More baby sturgeon will soon be swimming in the Saginaw Bay watershed. Michigan’s 19 million acres of forests are transitioning to fall colors. Great Lakes advocates will gather in Chicago next week (Sept. 26-27) for the annual conference by the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. For more, visit https://mrgreatlakes.com/

If you visit a national park beach, there’s a good chance that the sand beneath your toes contains tiny plastic particles. The State of the Bay Conference is coming back, followed by a One Water Gathering. For more, visit: https://mrgreatlakes.com/

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge's Wildlife Drive has reopened, Michigan is in the top ten states with the most clean energy jobs, and wipes sold in Michigan can no longer be marketed as "flushable." For more, visit: https://mrgreatlakes.com/

Homeowners associations will be prohibited from banning certain energy improvements and solar energy systems under a state House bill approved by the Senate. The Tittabawassee River Trail provides unique views and opportunities for wildlife observation.

Be prepared for wildfire smoke this summer, an Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz is on at boat launches in Michigan, and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab in Ann Arbor is posting weekly field sampling data for Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron.

Excessive heat can be a drag, including on air quality. A paper in the Journal of Great Lakes Research identifies Michigan’s Top Ten most unwanted. For more, visit: https://mrgreatlakes.com/

A way to check beach monitoring information online, June 29 is Tawas Lake Day, and Michigan officials are seeking proposals for a green maritime strategy. For more, visit: https://mrgreatlakes.com/

A statewide walleye fishing challenge runs through June 30. The Environmental Law & Policy Center has a project that aims to reimagine retired coal plant sites as green spaces. For more, visit https://mrgreatlakes.com/

A failing septic system can bring wastewater into your home and discharge untreated wastewater into the environment. Twenty eight school districts across Michigan will benefit from a federal Clean School Bus Program rebate competition. For more, visit https://mrgreatlakes.com/

A public meeting is planned for May 22 for a three-year Tobico Marsh restoration project. The state has a Pure Michigan program to recognize land and water locations that represent some of the best trail experiences. And in Oscoda County, didymo cells have been found in the Au Sable River. For more, visit https://mrgreatlakes.com/

Michigan Sea Grant has an update on walleye populations in Saginaw Bay. The Sierra Club of Michigan is pushing for environmental justice legislation. For more information: https://mrgreatlakes.com/