AGP Executive Report

Line 5 Reversal in Michigan: After the Michigan Supreme Court said regulators didn’t properly weigh environmental harms for Enbridge’s Straits tunnel, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and EGLE are re-examining the already-issued permits and pressing Enbridge to pursue shutdown alternatives instead of banking on a tunnel years away. Great Lakes Funding Deadline: Lawmakers are racing to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative before current funding expires, with a lapse that could disrupt long-term restoration planning. Endangered Species Act Lawsuits: A coalition of Democratic attorneys general, including Michigan’s AG, is suing the Trump administration over new ESA rules that weaken habitat protections for threatened and endangered species. Deer Disease Update: Michigan DNR confirmed epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus in free-ranging white-tailed deer in four southern counties, with guidance that healthy harvested deer remain safe to eat. Local Food & Farms: A Houghton County farm received a $99,950 state grant to build a community farm store aimed at expanding access to locally grown food. Storm-Heat Context: NWS says Southeast Michigan’s summer was among the warmest on record, with Detroit’s average daily temperature landing near the top of historical rankings.

Data Centers in the Spotlight (Michigan): Van Buren Township officials are set to vote on a final site plan for Google’s “Project Cannoli” hyperscale data center near I-94, with residents raising concerns about water use, sound, and utilities as the project moves toward construction. Local Energy & Costs: Traverse City Light & Power approved a 5% rate hike starting Oct. 1 and a new energy assistance program, aiming to fund reliability and grid modernization. State Environmental Jobs: EGLE is kicking off fall career fair season with staffing across air quality, drinking water, environmental health, remediation, and water resources. Great Lakes & Flooding Context: Flint Community Schools begins demolition of the former Central High School building as the district advances its new campus project. Renewables Under Pressure (Broader): A report says offshore wind is weakening along the East Coast as political and financial headwinds grow, even as energy demand rises. Food & Waste Ideas: A new look at “peecycling” explores whether urine could return as a fertilizer source if synthetic options stay pricey.

Transportation Funding Shift: Michigan is weighing a pay-per-mile road user charge pilot as gas-tax revenue falls with EVs and efficiency gains, with lawmakers and drivers asking what it would replace and how it would be rolled out. Wildlife Coexistence: Oakland University researchers are testing a “beaver deceiver” pond-leveler to reduce flooding from beaver dams in Southeast Michigan without removing the animals. Dam Decisions: Consumers Energy has delayed its dam sale case to November, extending the timeline for whether 13 dams—including Hodenpyl near Mesick—stay in place or are removed. Renewables & Local Control: Zeeland Township is suing over RWE’s proposed $300M Silver Maple Solar project, arguing state rules let developers bypass local approval; public meetings are set for Sept. 10 and 11. Great Lakes & Preparedness: After severe spring storms and flooding, Gov. Whitmer declared September Preparedness Month, urging residents to review plans and build emergency kits. Energy Infrastructure Debate: Automakers are moving into stationary battery storage for data centers and the grid, as local opposition to data centers grows across Michigan and beyond.

PFAS Awareness Week: Michigan’s PFAS Action Response Team is kicking off Sept. 21–25 with 15 events statewide (plus webinars), urging residents to reduce exposure—like checking private wells, using Eat Safe Fish guidance, and avoiding PFAS-containing foam on surface water. Great Lakes Resilience: A shoreline restoration push highlights “resisting re-invasion” after high-water damage—native plants can stabilize soil, slow runoff, and make it harder for invasives to take hold. Local Environment & Community: A Lake City farm is reconnecting people to land and food through regenerative agriculture and music after decades of community events. Waterfront Weather Watch: The National Weather Service outlook points to above-normal temperatures early next week, with Michigan’s growing-degree days and rainfall running higher than last year. Public Safety & Health: A Southfield shooting suspect was released pending charging decisions, while Michigan also continues to face public health concerns tied to outbreaks and food safety failures.

Climate Outlook: NOAA’s space-weather watch and a NOAA Climate Prediction Center forecast point to above-normal temps and shifting rain chances for mid-September, while Michigan’s Enviroweather station logged higher growing degree days and wetter conditions than last year. Local Water & Wildlife: Volunteers relocated 3,000 Huron River mussels ahead of Peninsular Paper Dam removal in Ypsilanti to protect threatened habitat from sediment impacts. Great Lakes & Energy: Michigan’s Line 5 fight and broader energy policy debates keep resurfacing in state politics, with candidates tying “environmentally better” outcomes to pipeline decisions. Invasive Species & Conservation: Michigan’s invasive species grant program opens for 2026 proposals, alongside DNR steps to staff conservation enforcement. Public Health & Climate Risks: Reporting highlights how climate change is reshaping disease-carrying pests—more rats, ticks, and mosquitoes mean more illness risk. Food Safety: A recall was issued for imported ready-to-eat pork products potentially contaminated with listeria.

Stormwater & Green Infrastructure: Sterling Heights and Macomb County finished a $1.1 million Sterling Relief Drain renovation, adding native plants, habitat, and a half-mile trail while improving water quality and stormwater flow. Wildlife & Habitat: A fawn wedged in a subdivision gate in Grand Blanc Township was safely freed after police and firefighters responded quickly. Biodiversity Research: Michigan State University-linked researchers report that grasslands disturbed by plowing or clearing may never fully regain original biodiversity, even after centuries. Underground Ecosystems: Scientists found a surprisingly large, diverse fungal community in deep Michigan subsurface waters from Antrim Shale gas wells. Invasive Species Preparedness: Michigan’s invasive species grant program opened its 2026 proposal cycle with about $2.4 million available for prevention, detection, and control projects statewide. Energy & Climate Tech: Northwestern Michigan College is installing a geothermal exchange system expected to cut carbon emissions by about 96% while heating and cooling five campus buildings.

Invasive Species: Michigan’s DNR and partner agencies opened the 2026 Invasive Species Grant Program, with about $2.4 million aimed at preventing, detecting, and controlling harmful invaders statewide; applicants can use a Sept. 8 webinar and submit proposals during the new cycle. Wildlife & Enforcement: The Michigan DNR announced an accelerated Conservation Officer Training Academy, running April 25–July 15, 2027 in Lansing, with applications set to open Oct. 1–Nov. 3 for qualified candidates. Climate Science: A new study links global warming to stronger El Niño swings, using long coral records, as researchers warn this year’s “super” El Niño could be among the most intense on record. Great Lakes & Policy: Michigan is in the middle of a Line 5 legal fight over Great Lakes waters, with the state pressing an appeal as the dispute continues. Severe Weather: Storm damage surveys in Detroit and reports of tornadoes and widespread outages highlight how extreme weather is still hitting Michigan communities hard. Energy & Infrastructure: Michigan’s EV charging expansion is underway, but a new study says access remains unequal—especially for drivers who need reliable public options.

Great Lakes Water Quality: West Michigan’s Lake Macatawa cleanup is moving into a new phase as the ODC Network rolls out the next chapter of Project Clarity, aiming to cut lingering phosphorus and sediment pollution through 2030 after earlier gains helped reduce phosphorus loads by about 60%. Extreme Weather: Detroit officials and the National Weather Service are surveying damage on the east side after severe storms and a suspected tornado, with the storm season’s toll underscored by widespread outages and damage across Michigan. Climate Science: A new study using centuries of coral records suggests global warming has made El Niño swings stronger, adding urgency as a “super” El Niño strengthens. Wildlife Protection: President Trump has ordered a federal review of gray wolf and Mexican wolf protections that could lead to delisting or weaker rules under the Endangered Species Act. Energy & Batteries: Sodium-ion batteries are hitting their first real commercial stretch in 2026, while Michigan also saw a dramatic EV range record tied to low-speed efficiency and careful range optimization. Consumer Help: Michigan’s insurance department is urging residents to review life coverage and use free state resources to find lost policies.

Severe Weather in Detroit: National Weather Service teams surveyed storm damage on Detroit’s east side after a tornado was confirmed, with Mayor Mary Sheffield signing a local emergency for parts of the east side and Belle Isle as crews work to clear debris and restore power. Great Lakes Energy Fight: Michigan is pressing its appeal in Whitmer’s push to remove Enbridge’s Line 5 from Great Lakes waters, arguing the state should be able to end the easement tied to the pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac. Grid Reliability Planning: Indiana Michigan Power is seeking public input on more than 150 miles of proposed high-voltage transmission upgrades across Indiana, with no final routes selected yet. Local Sustainability Win: Washtenaw County’s Ellsworth Road project recycled over 7,000 scrap tires into rubber-modified asphalt and later earned a national green construction award. Public Health & Climate Pressure: A report says extreme weather is driving higher insurance costs that hit Black and Hispanic homeowners harder, raising affordability concerns as disasters become more frequent.

Severe Weather & Power: Detroit’s east side took a direct hit from a confirmed tornado, with Mayor Mary Sheffield signing a local state of emergency for the hardest-hit area and crews working to clear debris and restore service after storms left hundreds of thousands without power. Climate Impacts: A new report on “Pure Michigan” summer points to heat, smoke, storms, and flooding as climate change reshapes Great Lakes weather patterns—raising risks for asthma and other health harms. Public Health: Michigan health officials are still dealing with the cyclosporiasis outbreak, which has exposed how strained food-safety systems can be when contamination spreads widely. Energy & Land Use: A large-scale solar project in Wexford County faces zoning pushback after a planning commission recommended denying an amendment that would allow utility uses in agricultural/forest districts. Wildlife & Conservation: The Detroit Zoo continues its long-running Partula snail recovery effort, shipping hundreds of endangered snails from Michigan to Tahiti for release. Long-Running Science: Michigan State University researchers say seeds buried in 1879 still germinated decades later, with the experiment planned to run through 2100. Preparedness: State Police urged residents to update emergency plans during Preparedness Month as tornado and flooding recovery continues.

Severe Weather & Power: Tornado confirmation and major storms hit Metro Detroit, with DTE reporting outages for about 261,000+ customers as crews worked through multiple waves of damage. Tornado Aftermath: Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield said a tornado struck the lower east side, injuring a father protecting his newborn as trees fell, with tens of thousands still without power. Water Quality: Several Michigan beaches were closed heading into the holiday weekend due to bacteria contamination, including sites in the greater Detroit area, with officials warning statuses could change as new tests come in. Great Lakes Invasive Species: The federal government lifted a stop-work order on an invasive carp project after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s call to President Trump, as carp were found alarmingly close to Lake Michigan. Public Health: Detroit Health Department confirmed the first human West Nile virus case in the city, urging residents to reduce mosquito breeding. Renewables & Local Control: Grand Traverse and Wexford county officials are hiring lawyers as a large-scale solar farm proposal could trigger a new state permitting pathway limiting local rejection. Climate Outlook: El Niño is expected to keep Michigan’s winter warmer and wetter than normal, with more ice storms and less reliable snow. Agriculture: Sporadic rain and dry pockets are trimming Michigan corn yield expectations, with drought conditions affecting much of the state.

Data Centers & Power Planning: Consumers Energy filed its long-term Integrated Resource Plan, saying it will more than double electricity capacity by 2040—mostly with wind, solar, and battery storage, but also adding two new natural gas plants to meet demand that includes data centers. Nuclear Weapons Computing Concerns: The University of Michigan’s proposed computing center in Ypsilanti Township is tied to Los Alamos National Laboratory work, raising nonproliferation worries even as U-M says most research would be nonclassified. Air Quality & Wildlife Health: Experts warn wildfire smoke can harm animals’ lungs, hearts, and even brains, not just people—an issue highlighted by Michigan’s recent hazardous AQI spikes. Invasive Species Prevention: Michigan expanded its “Don’t Move Firewood” campaign, urging residents to buy locally and use certified invasive-free wood to stop pests and diseases from spreading. Severe Weather Aftermath: Metro Detroit cleanup continues after damaging storms and possible tornado impacts, with more storms possible Friday. Local Conservation Win: A Michigan farmer protected 131 acres by selling development rights via a conservation easement, keeping the land from being broken up for housing. Pollinator Evolution Under Stress: A University of Michigan study finds some plants may be evolving traits that attract pollinators, even as warming and pollinator declines push competing evolutionary directions.

Great Lakes Invasive Species: The U.S. Army Corps abruptly paused work on the Brandon Road invasive-carp project near Lake Michigan, then lifted the stop-work order hours after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called President Trump—highlighting how fast-moving politics can affect urgent water-protection timelines. Michigan Water & Habitat: Caledonia Township approved a $127,900 plan to remove an obsolete causeway on the Shiawassee River, funded by an EGLE DNR fisheries grant, aiming to restore river flow and improve fish and aquatic habitat. Public Health & Plastics: North Carolina and a coalition of states—including Michigan—pushed the EPA to add microplastics to the drinking-water monitoring list, arguing the current oversight leaves communities without basic tracking. PFAS Watch: The Trump administration stalled a wastewater PFAS survey that would help regulators identify which industries are driving contamination. Local Recovery Housing: EGLE awarded $1 million for affordable recovery housing in Kalamazoo, converting a former paper mill site into 48 apartments with support services. Weather & Safety: A tornado watch and severe thunderstorm warning hit Windsor-Essex as storms moved toward lower Michigan. Invasive Species Prevention: Michigan expanded its “Don’t Move Firewood” campaign ahead of Labor Day to curb the spread of pests and plant diseases. Energy & Fuels: An E15 bill would align Michigan’s gasoline rules with federal standards, potentially allowing year-round E15 sales in more counties. Data Centers & Community Trust: A growing backlash over data-center NDAs and impacts on power and water is pushing states toward tighter rules and moratoriums. Wildlife & Outdoors: Northern Michigan groups are promoting water safety and conservation through Great Lakes paddleboarding and kayak tours. Mosquito Alert: Livonia warned residents about a new, daytime-biting Asian tiger mosquito presence and urged steps to eliminate standing water.

Michigan Energy & Industry: EGLE awarded a $1 million grant to help build new affordable recovery housing at the site of a former Kalamazoo paper mill, turning vacant brownfield property into 48 apartments with support services. Clean Energy Manufacturing: LG Energy Solution says its new Lansing battery campus is ramping up, aiming to scale to 35+ gigawatt-hours of lithium cells for both grid storage and EVs, with Toyota sourcing from the site. Climate & Weather: Scientists tied a rare “train” of Pacific hurricanes to historically strong El Niño, warning of dangerous swells and rip currents for Hawaii. Great Lakes & Water Quality: A Sterling Heights green infrastructure project “daylighted” part of the Sterling Relief Drain, adding trees and pollinator plants to filter stormwater and reduce flooding. Local Land Use & Waste: Wexford County voted to hire legal counsel for anticipated litigation over host fees tied to the former Cedar Creek Township landfill. Wildlife & Health: Michigan’s hummingbird migration is underway—experts say keeping feeders clean and stocked through fall can help birds refuel without derailing migration.

Extreme Heat & Schools: Climate Power reports extreme heat is forcing Michigan and other states to cancel classes or send students home early, with 41% of schools lacking adequate HVAC—turning back-to-school into a health risk. Great Lakes Biofuels: Michigan’s Great Lakes Sustainable Fuels Symposium in Detroit focused on building long-term demand for sustainable aviation and maritime fuels, with Michigan Corn leaders pointing to pending state tax incentives. Mining Waste Cleanup & Critical Minerals: Sen. Elissa Slotkin’s Upper Peninsula tour highlighted housing, jobs, education, and mining-linked environmental stewardship, alongside a DOE-backed Michigan Tech effort to recover precious metals from low-quality mining waste. PFAS Detection Breakthrough: MSU researchers say grasshoppers can detect multiple PFAS chemicals via distinct brain responses, pointing toward faster field testing tools. Data Centers Meet Community Pushback: Michigan City is considering a moratorium on future hyperscale data centers as officials and residents debate environmental protections like generator fuel storage and noise. Great Lakes Water Safety: A harmful algal bloom at Crystal Lake triggered beach health concerns, underscoring ongoing risks from toxic algae.

Clean Energy Research: Michigan is investing $7.5M to study geologic hydrogen—buried fuel that could help cut emissions from high-polluting sectors like trucking, steel, and cement. Great Lakes & Fisheries Legacy: Howard Tanner, credited as the “father” of the Great Lakes salmon fishery after helping reshape Michigan’s fisheries in the 1960s, has died at 102. Airborne Toxic Algae: New research warns that toxic cyanobacteria blooms may pose risks beyond skin contact, with scientists studying how toxins can become airborne and affect lungs. Local Water Safety: Harmful algae bloom advisories were lifted for Hamlin Lake and Bass Lake, but officials stress conditions can change fast—keep checking. Data Centers & Community Scrutiny: Michigan City, Indiana is weighing a temporary data center moratorium amid resident concerns about air quality and chemicals, while Michigan’s own debate over data centers continues. Transmission Planning: ITC unveiled proposed 345 kV transmission “Copperton Projects” with public open houses planned in Evart and Idlewild. Policy Shockwaves: A federal judge struck down New York’s $75B climate “superfund” law, saying it conflicts with federal authority. Invasive Species Control: MSU researchers released thousands of parasitoid wasps to target the invasive scarlet lily beetle without relying only on chemicals.