July 6, 2021
CNS Budget — Summer 2021 2nd Michigan Environmental Budget
To: CNS Editors
From: Eric Freedman
http://news.jrn.msu.edu/capitalnewsservice/
For technical problems, contact CNS technical manager Eryn Ho at (616) 485-9295; hoeryn@msu.edu.
For other matters, contact Eric Freedman at (517) 256-3873; freedma5@msu.edu.
ENVIRO PACKAGE #2: This is our second summer package of Michigan-focused environmental news stories in collaboration with our partner, Great Lakes Echo.
Here’s your file:
CUBA AGRICULTURE: During the 2020 campaign, presidential candidate Joe Biden said he would reverse Trump administration policies that limit trade between the U.S. and Cuba. However, the administration has yet to make specific comments about increasing exports. A U.S. Senate bill would lift the embargo. Michigan farmers, especially dry bean growers, could benefit from higher sales to Cuba. Huron, Tuscola, Sanilac, Bay and Saginaw counties are the biggest dry bean producers. We talk to the director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and to the Michigan Bean Commission, Farm Bureau and Agri-Business Association. For news and agriculture sections. By Brandon Chew. FOR MICHIGAN FARM NEWS, GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS, CORP! AND ALL POINTS.
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OFFSHORE WIND POWER: Offshore wind turbines in the Great Lakes could provide a large percentage of Michigan’s future electricity, a new national report says. Offshore wind could generate three-quarters of the state’s predicted electricity use for 2050 with full electrification, according to the report. The chair of the Public Service Commission says state laws might need updating to make that possible. We talk to a report co-author and the president of a company that’s developing the 1st offshore wind project in the Great Lakes, on Lake Erie. By Taylor Haelterman. FOR MONROE, ALCONA, HOLLAND, TRAVERSE CITY, LEELANAU, HARBOR SPRINGS, PETOSKEY, BENZIE, OCEANA, CHEBOYGAN, ST. IGNACE, SAULT STE. MARIE, MARQUETTE, GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS, CORP! AND ALL POINTS.
w/OFFSHORE WIND PHOTO: Some of the 75 wind turbines at the onshore Tuscola Bay Wind I farm in Fairgrove, Tuscola County, near Lake Huron. Credit: Taylor Haelterman
w/OFFSHORE WIND MAP: 29 states have the potential to generate offshore wind energy. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
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ALGAE AIR QUALITY: Toxins from harmful algal blooms are well-known as water polluters, especially in Lake Erie, but now researchers are looking at how they harm Great Lakes air. That could have implications for human health. Experts from Wayne State, University of Michigan and University of North Carolina explain. By Hannah Brock. FOR MONROE, DETROIT, MICHIGAN FARM NEWS AND ALL POINTS.
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ELECTRIC VEHICLE RECYCLING: As electric vehicle demands grow, concerns include how to make them more environmentally sustainable. A new project by recycling company Battery Solutions in Wixom and sustainability-focused group NextEnergy in Detroit will make electric vehicle recycling opportunity recommendations to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy by February. The department gave the project a $50,000 grant. By Chioma Lewis: FOR GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS, CORP! DETROIT AND ALL POINTS.
w/ ELECTRIC VEHICLE RECYCLING: Electric vehicle battery disassembly in action. Image: Battery Solutions
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PENINSULA POINT: From mid-August through September, Peninsula Point in the U.P. is known for “monarch madness” when huge numbers of the distinctive orange butterfly migrate from Minnesota, Wisconsin and the U.P. south to Mexico. Waves of monarchs use Peninsula Point in Hiawatha National Forest as a staging area before attempting the long open water crossing of Lake Michigan. By Jim DuFresne. FOR MARQUETTE, BAY MILLS, SAULT STE. MARIE, ST. IGNACE AND ALL POINTS.
w/PENINSULA POINT LIGHTHOUSE: The brick lighthouse at Peninsula Point is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Credit: Department of Natural Resources.
w/PENINSULA POINT MONARCHS: Monarch butterflies use Peninsula Point in the Hiawatha National Forest as a staging area before crossing Lake Michigan on route to Mexico. Credit: Department of Natural Resources.
w/PENINSULA POINT MAP: Peninsula Point Interpretive Trail. Credit: MichiganTrailMaps.com
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COASTAL EROSION: Although Great Lakes water levels are down, the risk of coastal erosion remains high. MSU researchers are using a National Science Foundation grant to enlist “citizen scientists” to assist in helping better understand coastal change. They’re gathering data in Marquette, Manistique, Iosco County, Chikaming Township, Manistee and South Haven. By McKoy Scribner. FOR MARQUETTE, MANISTEE, HOLLAND, BAY MILLS, SAULT STE. MARIE, OCEANA, BENZIE, PETOSKEY, LEELANAU, HARBOR SPRINGS, ST. IGNACE, CHEBOYGAN, ALCONA, MONROE, TRAVERSE CITY, LUDINGTON, STURGIS, THREE RIVERS AND ALL POINTS.
w/COASTAL EROSION PICTURE: Manistee Beach in 2014. A team of Michigan State University researchers is working with volunteers in coastal communities to track erosion in the state. Credit: McLoy Scribner.
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CNS