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: Detroit's air quality ranks among worst on globe due to wildfire smoke

2 days 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.
Wyandotte cut fluoride from its water. Here's what residents should know.

4 days ago | planetdetroit.org | Dustin Blitchok

Overview: -Wyandotte fluoridated its water from 1951 until 2015. -It's "imperative" for water providers to notify the public of interruptions in fluoridation so they can make informed oral health decisions, says an April 30 report on Wyandotte's drinking water system from Michigan's environmental regulator.
Detroit lawmaker calls out DTE Energy’s rates, reliability ahead of MPSC town hall

1 week ago | planetdetroit.org | Brian Allnutt

Overview: -State rep. Donavan McKinney touts legislation to block political donations by utilities and major government contractors. -McKinney spoke outside a MPSC town hall focused on the commission's public engagement and incorporation of feedback into its decision-making. -DTE Energy seeks a $574 million rate hike at the same time the Trump administration looks to eliminate funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Wildfire smoke from Canadian blazes threatens Detroit air quality

1 week ago | planetdetroit.org | Dustin Blitchok

Overview: -The Canadian province of Manitoba has declared a state of emergency due to a series of wildfires, with 17,000 people evacuated. -Michigan is at risk for elevated levels of fine particulate matter Friday and into Saturday due to the wildfires. -Detroit's air quality index score Friday morning is 52, or a moderate level of concern. Michigan faces an air quality advisory Friday and into Saturday morning due to smoke from .
What we're reading: EPA plan would scrap greenhouse gas limits on power plants

1 week ago | planetdetroit.org | Dustin Blitchok

Overview: -EPA plan would cut greenhouse gas limits on coal- and gas-fired power plants, according to The New York Times. -Feds cancel Moderna vaccine contract, which included a bird flu vaccine candidate that showed protective antibodies in 97.8% of participants. -Great Lakes temperature extremes have more than doubled in intensity over the last 80 years, University of Michigan study says.
Wyandotte water system problems pose 'immediate health risk': State regulator

1 week ago | planetdetroit.org | Brian Allnutt

Overview: -Survey raises concerns about Wyandotte's ability to protect water customers from BASF pollution and other contaminants, water expert says. -Wyandotte suspended fluoridation of its drinking water, according to the state report.
Wildfire smoke forecast: Will Michigan catch a break this summer?

1 week ago | planetdetroit.org | Brian Allnutt

Overview: -"It's always safe to hedge your bets that somewhere is going to be having a pretty big fire season," says the University of Utah's Derek Mallia. -In July 2023, a low-pressure system pulled smoke from Canadian fires to ground level. -An expert on Canadian wildfires says 2025 is shaping up to be a typical year, rather than a record-setting one like 2023.
West Michigan coal power plant gets lifeline from Trump administration

2 weeks ago | planetdetroit.org | Nina Ignaczak

Overview: - Environmental advocates are raising alarms after the Trump administration's decision to keep a Michigan coal plant running through summer, despite plans for its closure. - The emergency order, criticized as a "sham," is seen by advocates as a misuse of presidential power, with significant public health impacts.
Native-led initiative tackles maternal mortality rates in Michigan

2 weeks ago | planetdetroit.org | Elyse Wild

Overview: -Native American families face some of the most severe health disparities in the nation, but Miigwech Inc., a Michigan-based nonprofit, aims to change that. - By offering culturally centered programming and advocating for Medicaid reimbursement for Indigenous doulas, Miigwech is part of a larger movement tackling the high maternal mortality rates among Native Americans.
Fight food waste with simple solutions in Michigan

2 weeks ago | planetdetroit.org | Nina Ignaczak

Every year, Michigan sends nearly 2 billion pounds (1.67 billion meals’ worth) of food to landfills—much of it still edible or compostable. But it doesn’t have to be this way. From tech tools and compost bins to community fridges and policy change, there are simple, impactful ways to cut food waste and build a more sustainable, equitable food system right here in Metro Detroit. Here’s how to get started.