Clean Update

Public Service Commission Seeks To Update Avoided Costs For Electric Utilities

LANSING - The Michigan Public Service Commission on Tuesday began proceedings to establish updated avoided costs for rate-regulated electric utilities under a federal law, the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, which allows certain small power producers to sell their electricity to utilities. In the case (case U-18089), the PSC had ordered last October that its

By |2016-05-04T19:35:48-04:00May 4th, 2016|Clean Update, Politics|

Consumers Energy Spends More Than $1 Billion In 2015 With Michigan Businesses

JACKSON - Consumers Energy is making good on a five-year commitment to Michigan businesses, announcing this week that it has spent over $1 billion in less than a year with employers based in the Great Lakes State. “By investing in our home state of Michigan, we are helping businesses grow. That leads to our state

By |2016-05-04T14:42:24-04:00May 4th, 2016|Clean Update, ESD|

Google, FCA To Integrate Self-Driving Tech Into 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivan

AUBURN HILLS - Google will integrate its self-driving technology into some new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans, marking the first time Google has worked directly with an automaker. The announcement, made Tuesday, will more than double Google’s current fleet of self-driving test vehicles. Engineering responsibilities will be shared based on each company’s respective expertise. FCA

By |2016-05-03T20:45:18-04:00May 3rd, 2016|Autonomous Vehicles, Clean Update, Featured|

Illegal Battery Recycling Business In India Subjects Some To Lead Levels Above Guidelines

ANN ARBOR - India's illegal battery recycling industry could be exposing some residents in Delhi to airborne lead levels two-to-eight times higher than their neighbors and well above recommended health guidelines, University of Michigan researchers have found. Using sophisticated microscopic equipment and a lot of detective work, U-M School of Public Health researchers were able

By |2016-05-02T12:42:30-04:00May 2nd, 2016|Clean Update, News|

Energy Choice Remains Thorny Issue As Debate On Michigan Energy Policies Kicks Off

LANSING - The Michigan Senate Energy and Technology Committee kicked off testimony from interested stakeholders on its proposal for Michigan's energy policies and regulations, but despite an immense amount of changes made over the past six months, most of the same people either liked or disliked the bills. DTE Energy CEO Gerry Anderson was the

By |2016-04-29T12:31:00-04:00April 29th, 2016|Clean Update, Politics|

Changing Climate Conditions In Michigan Pose Emerging Public Health Threat

ANN ARBOR - Changing climate conditions, including warmer temperatures and an increased frequency of heavy rainstorms, represent "an emerging threat to public health in Michigan," according to a new report from university researchers and state health officials. The report, "Michigan Climate and Health Profile Report 2015: Building resilience against climate effects on Michigan's health," was

By |2016-04-27T21:09:47-04:00April 27th, 2016|Clean Update, Featured|

Rebuilding Together Oakland County Takes On 27 Projects April 30

FARMINGTON HILLS – Rebuilding Together Oakland County will take on 27 projects in eight Oakland County municipalities during its Rebuild Day on April 30. More than 750 volunteers will work from dawn until dusk to ensure that families in communities throughout Oakland County Michigan live in a safe and healthy environment. “With the help of our

By |2016-04-26T22:03:41-04:00April 26th, 2016|Clean Update, Featured|

Sustainable Business Forum May 9 Meeting Features SpartanNash, Calvin College

GRAND RAPIDS - West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum’s May 9 meeting will feature a spotlight on sustainability efforts at SpartanNash and an introduction to low impact development for water quality from Calvin College. Following its 2013 transformational merger to become the nation’s fifth largest food distributor, SpartanNash has accelerated its environmental sustainability and social responsibility

By |2016-04-26T21:29:36-04:00April 26th, 2016|Clean Update|

Sectoral Business Decision Model Helps Analyze Michigan’s Electricity Options Under Clean Power Plan

EAST LANSING - Michigan has serious work to do in order to comply with the EPA’s proposed Clean Power Plan, according to a recently released report from the Niskanen Center, a think tank based in Washington, D.C. In order to achieve compliance, Michigan electricity producers would need to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by 22.5

By |2016-04-26T07:25:32-04:00April 25th, 2016|Clean Update, Guest Columns|

Michigan PSC Approves Gas Rate Cut Of $1.69 A Month Per Customer

LANSING - The Michigan Public Service Commission on Thursday approved a settlement authorizing Consumers Energy Company to increase its natural gas rates by $40 million annually, though that is $20 million below what the utility self-implemented in January, the PSC said. A future reconciliation proceeding will determine the amount to be refunded to customers, plus

By |2016-04-22T10:47:03-04:00April 22nd, 2016|Clean Update, Politics|