Michigan

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Commentary: 'Record' fine for Michigan oil spill is a slap on the wrist

To everyday Americans, the $3.7 million fine imposed by federal regulators this week might seem large. From the perspective of a large company like Enbridge, however, it’s chump change.

By Guest Contributor . 5 July 2012
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Traverse City takes a lead on energy efficiency

In Traverse City, Michigan, an unusual level of cooperation between government, local businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, nonprofits and homeowners in creating more energy-efficient buildings is becoming a model for the rest of the state.

By Howard Lovy . 22 June 2012
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Electric vehicles at Michigan campus run on solar power

A 50-kilowatt solay array went online at Western Michigan University this year, and now 15 EV charging stations are drawing power from the sun.

By Guest Contributor . 12 June 2012
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The cost of coal, in lives and dollars

A report from the Environmental Integrity Projects say the cost of premature deaths caused by emissions from four Midwest power plants exceeds the value of the electricity they produce.

11 June 2012
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Michigan's largest wind farm goes online

The Gratiot County Wind Project, a 212 megawatt wind farm in central Michigan, is online and producing power this week, according to a news release from DTE Energy.

By Ken Paulman . 8 June 2012
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When riding a bike is a 'prank'

Whether a principal in Michigan overreacted in suspending students for leading a bicycle parade to school is one thing, but her concerns about their safety aren't entirely misplaced.

By Ken Paulman . 23 May 2012
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Midwest cities planning for electric vehicles

Besides big cities, smaller communities around the Midwest are preparing for more electric cars to hit the road.

23 May 2012
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Habitat homes achieve efficiency and affordability

As energy efficiency advocates press for tougher energy codes in Minnesota, Illinois and elsewhere, they're pointing to affordable housing supporters such as Habitat for Humanity to help make their case.

7 May 2012
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Biomass, geothermal replacing coal on campuses

Michigan State University will vote today on an energy plan to transition to 100 percent renewable power, which would make it part of a growing number of college campuses moving away from coal.
Photo via the Sierra Club

By Dan Haugen . 13 April 2012
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How are renewable standards faring in state legislatures?

State legislatures across the region have been considering several proposals related to renewable portfolio standards. With sessions winding down for the year, we decided to check in to see how the policies are faring.
Photo by Joe Gratz via Creative Commons

6 April 2012