Planet Detroit

Planet Detroit is a weekly email newsletter designed to enhance your knowledge about environmental matters in Detroit and Michigan. Our emphasis is on clear, solution-oriented, and investigative journalism, and we are dedicated to involving the community in discussions about local environmental challenges. We have a strong grasp of the relevant issues and connect with local activists, nonprofit organizations, business leaders, and other media outlets.

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What we're reading: Nessel, environmentalists challenge Trump order on Michigan coal plant

1 week ago | planetdetroit.org | Dustin Blitchok

Overview: -Environmental advocates and Michigan AG Dana Nessel are contesting a federal mandate to keep the Campbell coal plant open an additional 90 days. -In Memphis, the NAACP is poised to sue Elon Musk's xAI over allegations of air pollution impacting predominantly Black neighborhoods. -Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin is the lone Democratic vote for a resolution eliminating California's emission standards waiver.
EPA budget cuts represent 'serious hit' to Michigan water infrastructure: EGLE’s Phil Roos

1 week ago | planetdetroit.org | Nina Ignaczak

Overview: -Proposed EPA budget cuts would represent a "serious hit" for Michigan, Phil Roos, director of state's environmental regulator, tells Planet Detroit. -Communities face risks to vital water projects, from stormwater upgrades to lead service line replacements, he says. -If proposed cuts are approved, the impact would be felt in urban, suburban, and rural Michigan communities alike.
Detroit Energy Challenge celebrates local climate leaders and ‘biggest losers’ in energy and water use

2 weeks ago | planetdetroit.org | Nina Ignaczak

Overview: - Detroit's energy savers were in the spotlight at the 2025 Detroit Energy Challenge Awards, where buildings dubbed "biggest losers" were honored for slashing energy and water use. - This event, a nod to the city's shift towards a low-carbon future, also underscored the link between energy efficiency and community resilience. - As part of the Michigan Battle of the Buildings, the challenge saved $8.8 million in energy costs and cut over 44,000 metric tons of CO₂ in 2024.
Michigan regulators OK air quality permit for DTE Energy's Zug Island facility

2 weeks ago | planetdetroit.org | Brian Allnutt

Overview: -Michigan regulators approve air quality permit for secondary coke screener at EES Coke Battery on Zug Island. -The facility is the subject of an EPA lawsuit and state environmental violation notices. -EES Coke Battery is seeking an exemption from Clean Air Act rules from the Trump administration.
Wyandotte to craft fluoride plan 10 years after removing it from drinking water

2 weeks ago | planetdetroit.org | Brian Allnutt

Overview: -Wyandotte responds to state environmental regulator's report that identifies "deficiencies" in its drinking water system. -The city says it will craft a fluoride plan after dropping the additive from drinking water in 2015. -"There is no explicit statement in any consumer confidence report stating they ended fluoride treatment with no intention of ever restarting," says drinking water expert Elin Betanzo.
What we're reading: PFAS found in mussels across Great Lakes

2 weeks ago | planetdetroit.org | Dustin Blitchok

Overview: -The cost of continuing to operate Consumers Energy's Campbell coal plant will be paid by electricity customers in 15 states, says chair of Michigan Public Service Commission. -Lawmakers plan to reintroduce carbon capture bills in the Michigan Legislature. -Great Lakes water levels are mostly below 2024 averages, with only Lake Ontario's levels rising year-over-year.
Dominick Lemonious reimagines the art gallery at Detroit's 'Black Store'

2 weeks ago | planetdetroit.org | Akilah Russell

Overview: -The art gallery at the Liquor Basket Gratiot now has a name: the Push Gallery. -"They call us the Black Store," says owner Dominick Lemonious. "That's hard. Any time the community embraces you in a way like that, that's absolutely a positive."-Push Gallery held two shows this spring, "Community First" April 4 and "Community First Pt. 2" May 16.
Can Trump's order to keep a Consumers Energy coal plant open be stopped?

3 weeks ago | planetdetroit.org | Brian Allnutt

Overview: -After Trump administration orders a Consumers Energy coal power plant in West Michigan to stay online, a Republican lawmaker comes out in opposition to closure of DTE Energy's Monroe coal power plant. -Keeping the 63-year-old Campbell power plant open could prove expensive, with the cost potentially falling on Consumers ratepayers.
What we're reading: Detroit's air quality ranks among worst on globe due to wildfire smoke

3 weeks ago | planetdetroit.org | Dustin Blitchok

Overview: -The wildfire smoke degrading Detroit's air quality could worsen again Friday. -The GLWA wastewater treatment plant in Southwest Detroit is experiencing a power redundancy issue with DTE Energy equipment. -Michigan health officials are tightening PFAS safety limits for fish consumption.
Consumers Energy files $436 million rate hike request: Customer advocate says it's 'slap in the face'

3 weeks ago | planetdetroit.org | Brian Allnutt

Overview: -Consumers Energy requests $436 million rate increase that would amount to a 13.3% hike for residential customers. -The request comes at a time when federal energy assistance funding for low-income households is targeted for elimination by the Trump administration.