Michigan's clean energy future:
Policy solutions for the 21st Century
Michigan stands at a critical energy crossroads. Traditional sources of energy continue to become more risky and expensive. Inevitable restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions promise to escalate energy costs for years to come. However, there is reason for optimism in Michigan. (October 2007) |
Developing our coastlines: Four Michigan communities take stock of their Great Lakes assets
Michigan's Great Lakes coastline is a magnet
for development, drawing people and businesses at a brisk pace
that outstrips the growth of inland communities. But fragmented
and disjointed planning on the coasts is overseen by more than
400 separate jurisdictions, a confusing checkerboard of often
contradictory and counterproductive rules, zoning laws and long-range
plans. (August 2006) |
Something's amuck: Algae blooms return to Michigan shores
Repulsive,
potentially toxic clumps of algae are likely to reappear this
summer to plague swimmers and beachcombers from the bays of
Grand Traverse to the shores of Lake Erie. The troubling return
of algae is a throwback to the days when rampant pollution of
the Great Lakes led researchers to declare Lake Erie "dead"
in the 1970s. And it is a warning that the state can not afford
to ignore. (June 2006) |
Community, character & cash: How you can reform transportation with context sensitive solutions
Context sensitive solutions (CSS) is a new approach to transportation policy. CSS programs - now underway in numerous states across the U.S. - are meant to improve the way that transportation projects get envisioned, planned and built. Michigan Environmental Council (MEC) conducted research and produced this report to provide community leaders with case studies and recommendations to help them implement CSS in their planning processes. Based on our research,
we outline ten critical points to follow for a successful CSS program in Michigan. (December 2005) |
Smart
Growth for Clean Water: Innovative strategies for NPDES Phase II Stormwater Management
in Michigan
Polluted
stormwater runoff is one of the nation's leading threats to
clean water. Rain and snowmelt running over parking lots, roofs,
over-fertilized lawns and open construction sites wash dirt,
chemicals and bacteria into the water we drink. Communities
across Michigan are developing plans to comply with federal
stormwater reduction requirements. Smart Growth tools can help
Michigan communities find their own, unique ways to address
the water quality impacts of land use changes, development and
stormwater runoff. (2005) |
Living with septic systems: Actions you can take to protect water quality
Learn how onsite wastewater treatment systems are used in Michigan.
Find out about new procedures you can advocate to successfully use onsite systems and protect water resources. (2005)
|
| Dereliction
of Duty: The failure of Michigan's legislators to stand
up for Michigan's water, land & air - Report
highlights budget shortfalls and attempts to undermine
environmental protection. (Sept. 2004) |
| Consuming
Land, Losing Character: Report details how large
lot zoning and other planning and communications barriers
threaten Michigan's rural communities (Aug. 2004) |
| Residential
Housing Preferences in Michigan:
Summary Analysis of Four Focus Groups in Detroit and Grand
Rapids. Research from the Michigan Environmental Council
and the Michigan Association of Realtors. (June 2003) |
| Great
Lakes Leaks:
New Funding Needed to Protect Our Freshwater Treasure
(June 2003) |
| Oil
Accidents:
Survey of Accidental and Intentional Hydrogen Sulfide
Releases Causing Evacuations and/or Injury in Manistee
and Mason Counties (June 2003) |
Nongame
Programs Need Greater State Support:
Michigan should revive the nongame wildlife income tax
checkoff and take other steps to broaden the funding base
for protection of the state's natural heritage.
(5-30-03) |
