Michigan

Solar

In new attack on solar, lawmakers spread myths about potato farms

Misinformation about renewable energy fuels local pushback to proposed energy installations and could threaten farmers’ livelihoods.

By Austyn Gaffney .

1 June 2026

Stack of russet potatoes in a black bin — (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)

Fossil fuels

Trump admin defends its coal must-run orders in court

The administration told judges that it alone has the power to decide whether an energy emergency exists, a claim that a Michigan official called “unprecedented.”

By Marianne Lavelle . 19 May 2026
Utilities

Ann Arbor, Michigan, prepares to launch its own clean energy utility

Investor-owned utilities have been slow to ditch fossil fuels. The city of Ann Arbor plans to boost access to renewables with a unique model rolling out this year.

By Carey L. Biron . 23 March 2026
Fossil fuels

Trump cites ‘emergency’ to keep Michigan coal plant online into winter

The Energy Department’s orders to keep the J.H. Campbell plant running are driving up costs and pollution. States and advocates are challenging the move in court.

By Jeff St. John . 19 November 2025
Energy markets

Why states are threatening to leave PJM — and why they probably won’t

The grid operator’s high power prices and long interconnection queue have Democratic and Republican governors eyeing an exit, but analysts warn it could backfire.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 26 September 2025
Fossil fuels

Trump admin orders dirty, expensive coal plant to stay open even longer

Keeping J.H. Campbell open past its slated close is costing Midwest households big. Advocates fear that more such orders are on the way.

By Jeff St. John . 21 August 2025
Nuclear

A retired nuclear plant in Michigan is about to restart, a first for US

The 800-MW Palisades plant received key federal approvals to open three years after shutting down and has ambitious plans to be operational by the end of 2025.

By Eric Wesoff . 29 July 2025
Energy storage

LG opens massive Michigan factory to make LFP batteries for the grid

The $1.4 billion investment onshores production of a popular battery chemistry that had been almost exclusively made in China, amid tariff and tax policy uncertainty.

By Julian Spector . 25 June 2025
Nuclear

Holtec unveils plan for small modular reactors at Palisades nuclear site

The firm intends to make history by reopening the Michigan nuclear facility and building the nation’s first SMRs within the next five years.

By Alexander C. Kaufman . 25 February 2025
ENN

In Michigan and Wisconsin, cities are finding rooftops alone may not achieve solar energy goals

In Kalamazoo, a vision for rooftop solar generation on public buildings stalled after running into challenges, so the city is instead partnering with Consumers Energy to deliver solar power starting in 2028.

By Kari Lydersen . 9 December 2024
Energy efficiency

These high-tech windows fight climate change – and will save you money

LuxWall makes vacuum-sealed glass in a factory it opened this summer. Now it’s ramping up production after landing a federal grant and $51 million in new funding.

By Julian Spector . 4 December 2024