Michigan Environmental Report

In basketball a strong defense is essential. But if you constantly sit back on your heels and allow the other team to dictate the flow of the game, there’s a good chance you’ll lose. For too long, the environmental community has played defense, letting issues come to us instead of taking an offensive posture.

60: Percentage of Michigan electricity generated by coal 1.8: Billions of dollars Michiganders send to other states to buy coal to generate electricity

I’m a Michigan girl and I’m planning to keep it that way.

In each issue of the Michigan Environmental Report, we celebrate accomplishments by MEC and member groups.

A grassroots drive to convince Amtrak to accommodate bicycles on passenger trains has generated thousands of online petition signatures and excitement among rail advocates.

As clean air standards are debated in Congress this year, a Michigan environmental group has hired two dynamic residents to help ensure our children will be guaranteed clean and safe air.

A suite of solar panels installed this winter at Michigan Energy Options’ (MEO) East Lansing office and energy demonstration center is the latest example of the organization’s commitment to “walking the talk” in regards to renewable power and energy efficiency.

The mild winter of 2011/2012 may be a blessing for Michigan creatures who go to great lengths to survive the cold weather months. See how well you do on this quiz—compiled by MEC Intern Marco Salomone—about Michigan’s hibernators, migrators and others whose winter survival skills are unique.

From the Grand Canyon to Michigan’s outstanding wilderness areas, tangible results of the Sierra Club’s successes are everywhere as the organization celebrates big anniversaries in 2012.

One quarter of Michigan’s electricity would be generated from renewable sources by 2025 under a proposal that supporters hope to place on the November 2012 ballot. The state’s Board of Canvassers approved petition language for the issue on Jan. 20.