Environmental News

Coal is dead. A Michigan town is at center of battle over what’s next.

2018-02-14T21:33:00.001-05:00

Coal power dims in Michigan

Coal once dominated Michigan, but now it’s fading fast. Since 2010, Michigan utilities have retired at least 26 coal generators at 15 power plants, while 17 generators at six plants are set to retire by 2025. Three other old coal plants converted to burning natural gas. This map shows that changing energy landscape. Click on the coal plant icons for details.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Agency data, public announcements and media reports.

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Michigan Sierra Club Announces Legislative Priorities for 2017-2018

2017-01-31T23:30:00.000-05:00

Michigan Chapter

Legislative Priorities for 2017-2018

Want to help us make these visions a reality? Take a minute to call your State Representative and State Senator - tell them which of our priorities you want them to work on.

Expand Our Use of Clean Energy and Create Green Jobs
Michigan currently obtains most of its electricity from fossil fuel sources such as coal and natural gas. These energy sources are highly polluting and are a large source of greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change. However, clean energy such as solar, wind, and energy efficiency create green jobs, stabilize long-term energy prices, decrease our dependence on fossil fuels, and mitigate our impact on the climate. The Sierra Club supports policies that increase our use of clean energy, including but not limited to renewable energy standards, Energy Optimization Standards, clean contracts (setting a fair price to sell energy back to the grid), distributed generation (generating energy from small sources like rooftop solar), and expanding access to community clean energy projects. “Renewable” or “clean” energy should not be defined to include any fossil fuels, nuclear energy, incinerating waste, or unsustainable forms of biomass.

Fund Environmental Protection
Over the last decade, state funding for environmental protection has plummeted from about $100 million to $35 million. Aside from that, DEQ and DNR funding generated from fees and leases proves significant, but not adequate to support our environmental program. In addition, an over-reliance on permits and fees leads to these agencies being overly dependent on the industries they are monitoring. Combined, the budgets of these two agencies make up less than 1% of our state's allocations. Sierra Club strongly opposes efforts to further cut funding or keep it at the same levels because of its ability to significantly undermine environmental protection and community health. We support a steady increase in investment to the DEQ and DNR for the sake of safe drinking water, expanded recycling, recreation revenue, and the multitude of benefits these environmental programs offer. Our ground water, abundant surface waters, wetlands and shorelines are the foundation of our critically important tourism industry and our high quality of life.

Enact a Ban and Environmental Safeguards on Hydraulic Fracturing
The Michigan legislature must enact a Ban on High Volume Slickwater Horizontal Hydraulic Fracturing; in the absence of a ban, we need a Michigan-specific framework to protect the public and our water resources. That framework should require gas companies to follow all state laws regarding water withdrawals – something they are currently exempt from. We should require gas companies to disclose up front all chemicals to be used in the drilling process. The permitting process must require full public participation, which currently does not exist. Fracking is too dangerous for the Great Lakes State and it stands in the way of making progress toward reducing the impacts of climate change and achieving true energy independence. In addition to fracking, we need to ensure that other oil and gas extraction technologies such as acidization and well flooding are adequately regulated and monitored to avoid adverse impacts on our water resources and public health.

Defend Michigan’s Public Lands and Natural Resources
Even though our economy is struggling, the state’s travel and tourism business constantly flourishes, generating $955 million state tax revenue and employing 200,000 people. Michigan’s public lands and natural resources are essential to supporting tourism and should be properly managed to deliver the Pure Michigan promise. The Sierra Club fights for protection of public lands, a sustainable forestry plan, the use of biodiversity as an ecological goal, and the ability of the Department of Natural Resources to own and manage public land.

Mitigate Michigan’s Pipeline Problems
The Great Lakes and Michigan’s inland water bodies are threatened by aging pipelines and new pipeline proposals all across the state, carrying both oil and natural gas. Eminent domain is also causing conflicts between property owners and companies trying to build new pipelines. The legislature should enact laws to increase pipeline safety, disclosure, and emergency spill response planning. The Sierra Club is specifically working to stop the flow of oil through the Mackinac Straits carried by Enbridge’s Line 5 pipelines.

Protect Water Resources
Our Great Lakes hold one fifth of the world’s fresh surface water, but are threatened economically and ecologically by untreated sewage, industrial pollutants, invasive species, factory farm pollution, habitat loss, nutrient runoff, and degradation. The Sierra Club supports policies that make sure we have safe, clean, and affordable water such as banning aquaculture in the Great Lakes, banning the application of factory farm waste on frozen or snow-covered ground, investing in green infrastructure, sustainable wastewater and water infrastructure, and keeping public control of Michigan’s water. The Michigan legislature must enact laws that will reduce agricultural nutrient pollution which leads to toxic algae blooms in the Great Lakes.

End Environmental Injustice
Sierra Club believes that all people, regardless of racial/ethnic identity or socio-economic status, have a right to a clean and healthy environment and the right to effectively participate in their government to achieve that end. No communities should bear disproportionate amounts of pollution because of their demographics or socio-economic status. Local citizens who deal with this pollution on a daily basis must be given a voice and empowered to defend their communities. The lead contamination of drinking water in Flint that resulted from negligence and criminal conduct involving state officials demands justice for Flint residents in the form of safe, affordable drinking water and long-term response and support related to the health, education and economic impacts on the community. The Legislature and Governor must take responsibility for replacing all lead water pipes in Flint and appropriate the funds needed to fulfill this obligation. The full text of the Sierra Club’s Environmental Justice policy can be found at: http://www.sierraclub.org/policy/environmental-justice

Restore Citizen Oversight and Public Participation
For too long, concerned citizens have been ignored by our State Government. Lawmakers should restore accountability by reinstating independent, transparent bodies to oversee the DEQ and DNR like the bipartisan Water Resources Commission and Air Pollution Control Commission from the 1970’s and 1980’s. These would be made up of a balanced cross section of representatives of the general public, science, regulated industries and agencies. These bodies would oversee all aspects of the regulation, permitting and enforcement, providing an on-going public forum for both victims of pollution and those concerned about agency overreach to have their complaints reviewed and responded to.

Expand Access to Public/Mass Transit
The Sierra Club supports transportation policy and systems that minimize the impacts on and use of land, airspace and waterways, minimizes the consumption of fuel, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. We support transportation planning that takes into account pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users. The full text of the Sierra Club’s Transportation policy can be found at: http://www.sierraclub.org/policy/transportation

Improve Access to Democracy
We are facing many proposals that would make it harder for individuals to vote, increase the role of money in politics, and decrease political campaign finance transparency. Lawmakers currently design their legislative district boundaries in a partisan way that undermines public confidence in government and reduces accountability to constituents. These proposals make it harder for individual citizens and the Sierra Club to be heard by elected officials. The Sierra Club advocates for getting the money out of politics, allowing no-reason absentee voting, increasing government/campaign transparency, creating an unbiased redistricting process, and stopping voter suppression.

Burning Trees for Energy is a Lousy Idea - MI Chapter Update - 10-16-16

2016-10-16T11:04:00.000-04:00

Increased Asthma Attacks Tied to Exposure to Natural Gas Production

2016-07-20T13:33:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, July 20, 2016 By Lisa Song and Nicholas Kusnetz, InsideClimate News | Report

Exposure to more intense shale gas development correlates with a higher risk of asthma attacks among asthma patients, according to a new study of Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale, one of the nation's largest and most active fracking regions.

Read more ...

Michigan Chapter Update - January 3, 2016

2016-01-03T12:20:00.000-05:00

Sierra Club Submits Letter of Opposition to Nexus Pipeline - 12/21/15

2015-12-21T12:28:00.000-05:00

Sierra Club Michigan Chapter

Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

888 First Street NE, Room 1A

Washington, DC 20426

Dear Ms. Bose,

The comments submitted below are pursuant to the proposed Nexus Pipeline (Docket #CP16-22-000). These comments are submitted on behalf of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, 109 E Grand River Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906.

Nancy Shiffler

Chair, Michigan Beyond Natural Gas and Oil Committee

December 21, 2015

The Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club opposes the proposed Nexus pipeline for the following reasons:

Questionable need for this pipeline

• The AEO 2015 Early Release forecasts that Marcellus gas production will remain relatively flat from 2015 thru 2030. http://www.eia.gov/forecasts/aeo/workinggroup/oil-naturalgas/pdf/oilandnatgas_presentation_91614.pdf

• Natural gas demand in Eastern Canada is in decline. In spite of phasing out coal, natural gas declined to only 7% of Ontario’s 4^th quarter 2014 electric production. Hydro and nuclear accounted for 87%, and wind 6%. (In Quebec, almost all electricity comes from hydro.) http://www.ontarioenergyreport.ca/pdfs/Energy%20Quarterly_Electricity_Q4.pdf

• Few US and Canadian LNG export plans will be realized. According to analysts, “Huge cost overruns, poor planning, changing market conditions and emerging skinny margins will likely kill many projects across the world, or postpone their materialization to an uncertain future; Canadian projects likely will be the hardest hit. Of the 15 proposed Canadian LNG export facilities, none have reached a final investment decision.” http://theadvocate.com/news/business/10650285-123/falling-oil-prices-put-proposed

• Based on a February, 2015 Department of Energy report (“Natural Gas Infrastructure Implications of Increased Demand from the Electric Power Sector”—http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2015/02 /f19/DOE%20Report%20Natural%20Gas%20Infrastructure%20V_02-02.pdf), only 54% of current pipeline capacity is being used. One of their key findings: “Higher utilization of existing interstate natural gas pipeline infrastructure will reduce the need for new pipelines.” Even so, FERC is in the process of approving far more pipeline capacity than the DOE and EPA say are needed. For example, FERC is reviewing applications for 48 Bcf/d additional Marcellus pipeline capacity to be built over the next few years. The DOE finds only 8.4 Bcf/d is needed over the next 15 years.

• Analysis of SNL Energy data finds these pipelines are underutilized most of the time. “We definitely can see slowdowns already in Midwest — Rover and Nexus pipeline expansions, the Prairie State pipeline to deliver REX gas to Chicago city gates. It's not clear from today's standpoint that the market needs these pipelines, and we're already starting to see them slow down a bit, as well as some LNG projects."…. "Demand growth itself, as a result of conservation and demand-side management and lower GDP growth post financial crisis, is really taking the wind out of the sails of generation demand growth that natural gas can accommodate." https://www.snl.com/InteractiveX/article.aspx?ID=34292452&KPLT=4

• According to Robert Huffman, Spectra Energy’s business development director, "Going forward, there's been such a buildout already in commitments to realign and re-pipe the grid," Huffman said. "Maybe we're reaching a point where things have caught up." http://www.platts.com/latest-news/natural-gas/pittsburgh/appalachian-gas-pipeline-developers- facing-more-21310494

• FERC must consider that Nexus’ binding shipper agreements were signed over a year ago, and FERC must evaluate the current soundness of these agreements and companies. Nexus must present FERC with “legally binding precedent agreements showing that the pipeline will be fully or nearly fully (85%) subscribed for a minimum of ten years.” http://www.naruc.org/Grants/Documents/ICF-EISPC-Gas-Electric-Infrastructure-FINAL%202014-12-08.pdf. It is doubtful that many Nexus shippers are financially sound enough to fulfill this requirement. Many Marcellus/Utica E&P companies are predicted to go bankrupt (unless they sell themselves or otherwise sell off major assets). Here is a “ Death list” report listing very risky companies and their unacceptably high debt-to-earnings ratios:  Antero Resources (4.99), EV Energy Partners (6.54), Halcon Resources (7.81), Magnum Hunter Resources (52.29), REX Energy (5.06), Vantage Drilling (6.16), and Warren Resources (5.50). http://www.investorvillage.com/uploads/77263/files/OXFORD19CODEBTHITLIST.pdf?cmpid=verticalcontent

• FERC needs to do more evaluation of the Certificates of Need policy:  “The Commission balances the public benefits against the potential adverse consequences. ... the applicant's responsibility for unsubscribed capacity, the avoidance of unnecessary disruptions of the environment, and the unneeded exercise of eminent domain in evaluating new pipeline construction.” http://www.ferc.gov/legal/maj-ord-reg/PL99-3-000.pdf. Given that considerable environment, quality of life and billions of dollars are at stake, it would be a travesty for FERC to approve a pipeline that would later be greatly underutilized or abandoned because of neglectful disregard of risky shipper financials.

Adverse Environmental Impacts

• The pipeline and related infrastructure construction would cause irreversible damage to thousands of acres of forests, wetlands, and fields. Relevant to this issue is the June 2014, decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, et al. v. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, which noted FERC’s responsibility to consider cumulative impacts. FERC should consider the cumulative impacts of the entire length of the Nexus pipeline and the activities that produce the gas to be transported through the pipeline.

• Farmlands would be impacted through potential damage to drainage tiles, soil compaction, and destruction of orchards and productive woodlands in an area that has some of the highest agricultural land values in the state. Soil compaction affects the structure of the soil and can reduce productivity for years beyond the actual construction of the pipeline. Temporary plugging or damage to drainage ditches and underground tiling could have affects extending beyond the construction area. Impacts on drainage into Lake Erie would be of particular concern.

• Air pollution from construction and operation of the pipelines is a health hazard. FERC has already determined that the estimated construction emissions for the Rover pipeline would exceed the thresholds for ozone and particulate matter in the Detroit-Ann Arbor maintenance area. Once in operation, the pipelines, and particularly the compressor stations, produce emissions of methane and volatile organic compounds. In addition, the gas produced from the Marcellus is known to have potentially significant concentrations of radon; this should be factored into the chronic losses of pipeline gas, particularly from compressors.

• As part of its environmental review, FERC should estimate the green house gas impacts from the production, transport, and usage of the gas, including methane leakage from the production sites, the pipeline and compressor stations, and the CO2 releases from increased burning of natural gas. This analysis would be in line with the President’s recently announced targets to cut net greenhouse gas emissions 26-28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025.

• Finally, FERC should consider the potential environmental impacts of increased use of hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus region as a result of the new markets targeted by this and similar projects. These impacts include: air and water quality (http://files.dep.state.pa.us/OilGas/BOGM/BOGMPortalFiles/OilGasReports/Determination_Letters/Regional_Determination_Letters.pdf); health impacts (Concerned Health Professionals of New York. (2014, December 11), Compendium of scientific, medical, and media findings demonstrating risks and harms of fracking (unconventional gas and oil extraction) (2nd ed.). http://concernedhealthny.org/compendium/); and worker safety (http://www.eenews.net/login?r=%2Fenergywire%2F2014%2F10%2F20%2Fstories%2F106000753).

Adverse Impact on Landowners and Local Communities

• Safety impacts are of paramount concern. The required setbacks from homes and other buildings are insufficient to account for the potential impact radius in the event of an explosion. Of particular concern is the potential impact on dense residential areas such as the Ypsilanti area.

• Rural areas served by small fire departments would be stretched thin in the event of a major explosion or a fire.

• Local government concerns over the impact of heavy equipment on local roads and bridges must be addressed. The potential costs to local communities should be fully assessed.

• Individual landowners are rightfully concerned with the impact of the project on their property values, access to mortgages, and insurance coverage. Estimates of these costs should be available from previous pipeline construction projects.

FERC’s own guidelines state “Landowners should not be subject to eminent domain for projects that are not financially viable and therefore may not be viable in the market place.” We should not be pitting the safety, economic value, and environmental health of local property owners and communities against pipeline projects that are neither viable nor needed.

In summary, we oppose this project as having little or no demonstrated “public convenience or necessity” in light of the potential environmental and human costs. FERC appears to have a very limited view of its responsibilities for rationalizing pipeline capacity or addressing climate change and cumulative environmental damage. Consequently, we believe this project should be denied.

Thank you for your consideration of these concerns.

Michigan Chapter Update - November 1, 2015

2015-11-01T09:11:00.000-05:00

Michigan Chapter Update - October 18, 2015

2015-10-18T11:04:00.000-04:00

My First Time at Sierra Club's Citizen Lobby Day by Kevin Duffy

2015-10-15T13:38:00.000-04:00

The Sierra Club Michigan Chapter’s Citizen Lobby Day is one of our marquee events, where members converge in Lansing to educate lawmakers about important environmental issues. Our goal is to empower people to have a voice at the capitol and hold lawmakers accountable for their environmental votes. On October 14, over 65 environmental activists from every corner of the state came together to fight for progressive clean energy policies and to advocate for a ban on fracking. What follows is a personal reflection on the event from Kevin Duffy, our Communications Intern who had never before lobbied a lawmaker.

My First Time at Citizen Lobby Day
Kevin Duffy

A former environmental journalist, my first experience at Citizen Lobby Day was not what I had imagined. Of course, what I had imagined was battling the same disconnect I felt as a writer who was rarely granted a timely interview. It was not at all like that. I vigilantly shadowed a day’s worth of meetings with state Representatives and Senators, not one of them late (another surprise). The opportunity offered by the Sierra Club not only remedied the detachment I previously felt, it offered direct government engagement. Further, it reinforced my understanding of the issues – clean energy, hydraulic fracturing – and empowered me (as I imagine others) to take the policy plunge. It also allowed me to chase the environmental cause with force, Sierra Club providing the materials I needed – materials I also happen to support.

A well-organized event, I never felt lost in discussion and was motivated by the turn out. The number of available legislators alone motivated me to take action. Other citizen lobbyists spoke on their expertise including a wide range of backgrounds such as first-responders, a church youth group, professional educators, solar home owners, and well-informed activists. There were many understandings and perspectives to share, but a collective voice spoken. Sierra Club defended the definition of renewable energy, fought for fair access to solar, emphasized Michigan’s dependence on clean freshwater and demanded accountability on companies who frack for natural gas in the Great Lakes state.

Activists Suzanne Love, Steve Rall, Dave Errickson and Dawn Flemming

met with State Representative Tom Barrett (R-Grand Ledge).

Most of the issues are not inherently polar – the right to a healthy body and environment – but competing positions related to policy and political affiliations have a tendency to make issues that exactly. However, that’s where I gained most useful insight. Even Representatives or Senators who historically rejected the importance of issues I valued could show an understanding and in turn build an open narrative. I was not alone in thinking this. Speaking to other participants, I learned how some hesitated to enter a potentially edgy meeting and others who hoped for belligerent debates. In either case (and all those in between), everyone seemed pleasantly surprised by at least one or two points of conversation with their elected officials. Whether or not that meant they could support the legislator’s position or bill, it again opened a valuable dialogue – one that requires active or repeated participation. I learned that you can affect someone’s position on the environment. I know my Citizen Lobby group did.

State Representative Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) took time to meet with Sierra Club members Rob Zimmer, Diane Moore, Lindsey Diamond, Bill Rittenber and Mark Meadows.

Michigan Chapter Update - October 4, 2015

2015-10-04T11:36:00.000-04:00

Time's running out to register for this important workshop!

2015-09-23T12:44:00.000-04:00

Deep injection wells can be found wherever there is oil or gas drilling, so if you're concerned about the environmental impacts of fossil fuel extraction in Michigan, this workshop should be of interest to you.

The price goes up $10 after tomorrow, so order soon if you plan to attend.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has received applications for permits for deep well injection activity in more than a dozen counties. Is your county one of them? What does it mean for you and your family? Find out at our workshop Sep. 26! Early registration rate (before Sep. 18) is $25 ($15 for students with ID). Register today!

WHAT: Deep Well Injection in Michigan: Deepening Our Understanding and Exploring What We Can Do About It
WHEN: Sat., Sep 26, 10am-2pm
WHERE: Alma College, 614 W. Superior St., Alma; Room L4 of the DOW/KAPP Bldg.
REGISTER TODAY!

Permits for injection wells containing hazardous substances posing a serious threat to water quality are increasing in Michigan, yet most people including local public officials know little about them. In an effort to educate Michigan citizens and local governments, Sierra Club has paired with Grobbel Environmental & Planning Associates to present a workshop on about the history, purpose and risks of injection wells in Michigan.

Christopher P. Grobbel, PhD, is an environmental consultant based in Traverse City and MSU professor of environmental planning and management, environmental impact assessment, environmental law, and sustainability studies.

Christopher P. Grobbel, PhD, will present “Deep Well Injection in Michigan: Deepening Our Understanding and Exploring What We Can Do About It” on Saturday, Sep. 26, from 10am-2pm at Alma College, 614 W. Superior St. The event takes place in Room L4 of the DOW/KAPP building.
Grobbel will lay out the context for this activity in Michigan and then explore the environmental risk associated with it and how the public can get involved in the process. Grobbel’s presentation will cover the history and regulatory framework of injections wells, the technology and geology involved in Michigan, and dangers such as spills and seismic activity.
REGISTER TODAY AND SAVE!
On or before Sep. 18: $25 general public/$15 students (with ID). The cost covers lunch and all conference materials.
After Sep. 18: $35 for the general public; $20 for students. Final registration deadline is Sep. 25. No walk-ins.
Register here! Questions? Email gail.philbin@sierraclub.org.

Michigan Chapter Update - August 15, 2015

2015-08-15T11:54:00.000-04:00

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Michigan Chapter Update

AUGUST 16 2015

In this issue:

GOV BLANCHARD URGED TO PROTECT GREAT LAKES FROM ENBRIDGE LINE 5
UPCOMING EVENTS: -LAST CHANCE: SIGN UP FOR THE ANNUAL RETREAT: AUGUST 21-23-PEOPLE'S CLIMATE MARCH IN GRAND RAPIDS: SEPTEMBER 19 -DETROIT MARCH FOR JUSTICE: OCTOBER 3
SIERRA CLUB FILES AMICUS BRIEF ON PALISADE'S NUCLEAR PLANT
SENATE BILL WOULD UNDERMINE NET METERING FOR SOLAR
GO SOLAR WITH SIERRA CLUB! MI SOLAR PARTNERSHIP
JOIN THE BAN FRACKING IN MICHIGAN PETITION DRIVE!
SPEAK UP ABOUT MICHIGAN'S WATER STRATEGY
THANK YOU TO TIM MINOTAS!
EXPLORE AND ENJOY: IARGO SPRINGS

LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP TODAY AND MONDAY:

Chapter Annual Retreat
August 21-23
Camp Miniwanca
Shelby, MI

Join us for a Peoples' Climate March in West Michigan!

Learn more and RSVP here.
September 19, 1-2:30 p.m.
6th Street Bridge Park, Grand Rapids

SAVE THE DATE!

Detroit March for Justice
October 3, 12 p.m.
Roosevelt Park, Detroit

SIERRA CLUB URGES FORMER GOVERNOR TO USE ROLE ON ENBRIDGE BOARD TO SHUT DOWN LINE 5

The Sierra Club called on former Michigan Governor James Blanchard, who currently serves as a board member for Enbridge, Inc., to address immediate safety concerns associated with the Canadian company's Line 5 crude oil pipeline that runs through the Straits of Mackinac.

Advocates gathered at the Capitol to urge government officials to shut down the 62-year-old Line 5 pipeline. Photo by Cecilia Garcia.

As chair of the Enbridge board's Committee of Social Responsibility, Blanchard's position calls for his oversight on environmental stewardship and the protection of local communities. The Sierra Club letter calls on the former governor to compel the company to publicly disclose safety inspection results and cooperate in an independent investigation sought by the state, in line with Blanchard's authority and duties at the company. The request calls directly on Blanchard to aid in the immediate shut down of Line 5, as the company failed to maintain legal pipeline infrastructure and provided inconsistent liability information in the event of an oil spill.
The company's history with this 61-year-old pipeline proves to violate the very goals of Blanchard's position on the board of directors, one created in response to the company's catastrophic Line 6b breech that devastated the Kalamazoo River and local communities.
Michigan Sierra Club Chair David Holtz weighed in on the importance of preventing a similar catastrophe by holding the company, specifically Blanchard, accountable. "Governor Blanchard is not only in a unique position to protect the Great Lakes from an Enbridge catastrophe, but as an Enbridge board member he is responsible to Enbridge shareholders for making sure the company stops behaving badly," Holtz said.
To read our full press release, which includes each request to Blanchard, click here.

SIERRA CLUB FILES AMICUS BRIEF ON REVIEW OF PALISADES NUCLEAR REACTOR

Palisade's Nuclear Plant sits on the shores of Lake Michigan. Photo by Sierra Club Nuclear Free.

On August 7 the Sierra Club submitted an Amicus brief to the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), joining the call for the agency to conduct a full evidentiary hearing on the unprecedented request by the owners of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant, Entergy, that they be exempted from federal safety regulations. Sierra Club is supporting the efforts of Beyond Nuclear, Don't Waste Michigan, Michigan Safe Energy Future-Shoreline Chapter, and Nuclear Energy Information Service who petitioned the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board panel (ASLBP) to require a hearing on Palisades and its embrittled reactor.
In a Memorandum and Order released on June 18th, the ASLB panel determined that the request from Entergy warranted a full evidentiary hearing. The Louisiana based owner of Palisades appealed the ASLB order to the NRC.
The Palisades plant, located on the Lake Michigan shoreline in Covert, MI, is one of the oldest nuclear power plants still operating in the world, and has the most embrittled reactor pressure vessel (RPV) in the United States. The RPV, which includes both the shroud that shields the rest of the plant and the environment from radioactive materials, and the reactor core where controlled nuclear reactions are used to generate electricity, faces significant deterioration and embrittlement from more than forty years of operation and exposure to radioactive materials. The Palisades' embrittled RPV poses the threat of a catastrophic rupture or breakdown.

According to Mark Muhich, chairman of Sierra Club Nuclear Free Michigan, an RPV rupture "could kill thousands of western Michigan residents, ruin thousands of square miles of the best agricultural land in the state, and poison Lake Michigan, the source of drinking water for millions of people." Sierra Club is represented by attorney Wallace Taylor of Iowa, who has worked with Sierra Club chapters around the nation on issues related to nuclear power safety.

Join the clean energy age & power your home with the sun!

Our solar partners, McNaughton-McKay Electric Company, Solar Winds Power Supply and Michigan Solar Solutions, offer their services by evaluating your home's solar capacity, educating the public on the benefits of solar power and providing expert installation of the customer's choice of solar array.
Sales through our partnership provides for donations to the Michigan Chapter to support our work as well! Fill out our solar survey.

NEW ENERGY LEGISLATION COULD DESTROY SOLAR ENERGY IN MICHIGAN

Senate Energy Committee Vice Chairman John Proos recently introduced a bill to rewrite Michigan's energy policy which could prevent people from using their own solar energy produced for their homes and businesses.
Currently, small-scale solar projects are able to connect to the grid through Michigan's net metering program, allowing homes, businesses, and non-profits to use their own energy. Senate Bill 438 would essentially eliminate net metering, barring program participants under the new plan from using their own generated energy and instead force them to sell the energy back to utility companies for less than it is worth. We believe customers should have free will to use their own produced energy.
The bill also repeals Michigan's renewable energy standard, eliminates our energy efficiency programs, and redefines clean energy to include polluting sources of energy such as natural gas, nuclear energy, and hazardous waste incineration.
We need your help to stop this bill and get the legislature to pass policies that support sustainable energy sources like wind and solar. Click here to take action and tell your lawmakers to oppose this devastating legislation.

STAND UP FOR STRONGER GREAT LAKES PROTECTION IN MICHIGAN

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Office of the Great Lakes released a 156-page draft of a Water Strategy in Junethat it calls "a roadmap to achieve a 30-year vision to ensure Michigan’s water resources support healthy ecosystems, citizens, communities and economies."

Sunset on Lake Michigan. Photo by Gail Philbin.

The document broadly addresses an array of water-related issues, from algal blooms and invasive species to infrastructure issues and the need for monitoring surface and groundwater. While the goal of a long-term approach to protecting our most precious resource is laudable, Sierra Club has serious concerns about the effectiveness of the state's Water Strategy given the voluntary nature of the measures it promotes.
"I am disappointed that the Water Strategy speaks to what government 'can' and 'should' do versus what it WILL do to protect waters within the Great Lakes Basin," says Erma Leaphart, Conservation Organizer for the Sierra Club Great Lakes Program. "I respect and agree that people of Michigan have a role to play but the State of Michigan must take a leadership role starting with creating a stronger vision statement, establishing or adopting specific identified impactful goals and data driven solutions."

If you want the Great Lakes State to take the lead on meaningful Great Lakes stewardship, make your voice heard:

• Read the Water Strategy here.

• Send your written comments by Aug. 28 to the Office of the Great Lakes, DEQ, P.O. Box 30473-7973, Lansing, Michigan 48909, by fax at 517-335-4053 or by emailing Mi-waterstrategy@michigan.gov.

• Or click here to send a message by Aug. 28.

A camper completes the high ropes course. Photo by Sierra Club.

LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR ANNUAL RETREAT

This year's Annual Retreat is less than a week away but you can still register online today and tomorrow! The weekend includes a packed schedule of recreational and educational activities, which can be tailored to you and your family's interests. The affordable weekend getaway offers hiking, tubing and boating (to name a few).
The sandy beaches and dunes along the coastline of Lake Michigan offer a unique escape and breathtaking panoramic views that everyone can appreciate. Keynote speakers and presenters will offer insight on important ways to protect Michigan's environment in creative ways that are sure to engage all campers.
Don't miss out on the unique opportunity to spend a weekend with those who love the environment, while also enjoying the natural beauty our state offers.

TO REGISTER FOR THE ANNUAL RETREAT TODAY OR TOMORROW ONLY, CLICK HERE.

Photo from New York Sierra Club.

LET'S BAN FRACKING IN MICHIGAN

Do you believe we can do better than polluting our water and air by allowing fracking for natural gas and oil?
Hundreds of Michiganders are currently collecting petition signatures to put the Committee to Ban Fracking in Michigan's ballot proposal onto the November 2016 ballot. YOU can help ensure that Michigan voters have a say on whether:

Michigan continues to allow radioactive wastes from fracking in other states to be disposed of in Michigan landfills;
Michigan continues to allow the use of fracking by oil and gas developers, with the air and water quality contamination it can cause; and
Michigan overturns its policy favoring the maximum production of oil and gasover protection of the environment and public health.

Join us in circulating the ballot petition for the Committee to Ban Fracking in Michigan! You can make a big difference by collecting signatures in your own community or beyond. Time is short and there is a lot of work to do, so please join with Sierra Club in supporting this petition drive!
Sign up here and you'll hear from our Campaign Coordinators, Craig Brainard or John Ford, within a few days with details about how Sierra Club is supporting this effort. You can also go to the Committee to Ban Fracking in Michigan's website to register and get training on how to collect petitions. Be sure to let them know that Sierra Club referred you at the bottom of the volunteer sign up sheet!
Contact Craig Brainard or John Ford for more information about Sierra Club's work to end fracking, and to get involved in the ballot petition drive. Paid for with regulated funds by the Sierra Club Committee to Make Michigan Safe from Fracking, 109 E. Grand River Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906.

(L to R): Anne Woiwode, State Representative John Kivela, Robert Gordon and Tim Minotas on Michigan Sierra Club Lobby Day.

A FOND FAREWELL TO OUR TWO-YEAR INTERN

This fall, our Legislative Intern Tim Minotas is heading back to Central Michigan University to finish his degree in Political Science and Environmental Studies and lead the Student Environmental Alliance on campus.
Tim spent a year as a chapter Political Intern working on campaigns for Sierra Club's endorsed candidates in Oakland County and Mt. Pleasant.

As our Legislative Intern, he helped organize our Spring Citizen Lobby Day, a political fundraiser, and was our eyes and ears at the capitol. Thanks to Tim for all his hard work over the past two years.
Interested in being a legislative and political activist like Tim? Learn more information here.

EXPLORE AND ENJOY! IARGO SPRINGS

Sierra Club is committed to "exploring, enjoying and protecting the planet." The Michigan Chapter Update includes features on exploring and enjoying places in Michigan. In this edition, Becky Hammond writes about the Iargo Springs, located on the Au Sable River in the Huron Manistee National Forest, which host a wide range of wildlife and offer breathtaking views.


A family of ducks. Photo by Becky Hammond.

If you've driven along the River Road National Scenic Byway that parallels the Au Sable River as it heads to Lake Huron and (as I did for years) skippedIargo Springs in favor of the Lumberman's Monument (or any other scenic overlook; they abound there), you need to put the springs on your to-do list. Like so many Michigan attractions, they are wonderful and there are many other things to do nearby.
Iargo Springs changed the word "spring" for me forever. These are not seeps or even streams trickling out of hillsides, these are almost waterfalls that pour out, some held in manmade pools, all eventually winding and criss-crossing the forest floor until finding their way to the dammed-up part of the Au Sable known as Cooke Pond. To call the water "crystal clear" is to redefine that term.And the springs and streams go on and on, visible from a network of boardwalks that branch out after you descend a long flight of stairs (300 or so). Cooke Pond is the kind of marshy backwater at that point that waterfowllove. Take your camera. It would make a great early-morning paddle. Late May provided a viewing gallery of mergansers, geese, swans, all with young.
Iargo springs was, and is, a holy place to Native Americans, with the water considered to have medicinal value. Just being there feels holy, walking around seems to have medicinal value. The spot is the trailhead for the seven-mile Highbanks Trail. It's close enough to Oscoda for a meal and drink afterwards, close enough to Lake Huron for a swim.
Join Sierra Club members on Outings, including hikes, camping, and paddling adventures across the state of Michigan and beyond. Find out more about Michigan Chapter and Group Outings here by scrolling down to the calendar.

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Header photo Near Andrus Lake, Upper Michigan, by Beverly Wolf.

Michigan Chapter Update - August 2, 2015

2015-08-02T10:19:00.000-04:00

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Michigan Chapter Update

August 2, 2015

In this Issue:

Sierra Club Endorses Ban Fracking Petition Drive
A Big Thank You!
Join the Parade for Clean Power and the Green Cruise August 8
Go Solar with Sierra Club's Solar Partnerships
Take Part in Rock Climbing and High Ropes at Annual Retreat August 21-23
A Month in Review: Rallies and Marches with Sierra Club
Craig Brainard's Don't Frack Up Our Future Program August 11th
Charitable Gift Annuity Helps Sierra Club (and You!)
Explore and Enjoy: Pigeon River Country State Forest

SIERRA CLUB ENDORSES BAN MICHIGAN FRACKING PETITION DRIVE

Sierra Club is supporting the Ban Michigan Frackingballot petition drive, following unanimous support
from Michigan Chapter leaders. Photo by Mary Novrocki

Sierra Club has endorsed a proposed ballot measure that would ban radioactive and other fracking wastes from Michigan and end risky, high-volume hydraulic fracturing in the Great Lakes State. The club's endorsement of The Committee to Ban Fracking in Michigan’s proposal means the organization will mobilize its hundreds of volunteers and more than 60,000 members and supporters to put the proposed measure on the 2016 ballot. The Sierra Club Committee to Make Michigan Safe from Fracking is being formed and our co-chairs John Ford and Craig Brainard invite you to join the petition drive today.

"If the ban fracking proposal is placed on the ballot, voters in Michigan who overwhelmingly say they want to protect our state’s waters, land and communities will have the opportunity to overcome the oil industry’s grip on Lansing and protect our state," said David Holtz, chair of Sierra Club Michigan Executive Committee. "Michigan shouldn’t be the dumping grounds for other states’ radioactive and chemical fracking wastes and we shouldn’t be putting our public health and our waters at risk." Holtz noted that the endorsement vote by Sierra Club leaders throughout the state was unanimous.
Co-chairs John Ford of Ann Arbor and Craig Brainard of Hastings, both long-time Sierra Club leaders, will coordinate the Committee's activities in support of the proposed fracking ban petition drive, which needs 252,523 signatures from Michigan voters to qualify for the November, 2016, ballot. "We understand it’s a huge challenge to get this on the ballot," said Brainard. "Sierra Club felt strongly that we needed to step up and help make this ballot initiative a success."


A BIG THANK YOU! Many thanks to Todd and Amanda Carlson, shown with their daughter Abby at the 2013 Annual Retreat, for donating funds for a high quality digital camera to the Michigan Chapter! Amanda also chairs the 2015 Retreat Committee (sign up below!)

Sierra Club's announcement of its endorsement of a ban on high volume fracking and injection of fracking wastes follows more than three years of study of the issue along with the release of theUniversity of Michigan's Graham Institute report on fracking in Michigan. The report points to uncertainties and potential risks involving fracking operations in Michigan. Following studies of health and environmental risks, New York banned fracking in that state.

Nearly a year ago it was publicly disclosed that Michigan was importing radioactive fracking wastes from Pennsylvania after landfills in that state and in West Virginia refused to take it. A state panel in Michigan meeting behind closed doors subsequently gave the go-ahead to continue and potentially expand importing radioactive wastes.

"Michigan is opening its doors to a flood of radioactive fracking wastes other states don’t want," said Ford. "When we take that message to Michigan voters they will act to slam the doors shut. Our campaign is about giving Michigan voters a choice and we are confident they don’t want Michigan to be the new ground zero for radioactive wastes."

Sign up for the petition drive here.

JOIN THE PARADE FOR CLEAN POWER AND THE GREEN CRUISE AUGUST 8

Look for the Solar Partnerships booth at this year's Green Cruise! Information about our Solar Partnership program will be provided to residents interested in powering their home with a reliable and clean energy source- the sun! Sales through our partnership provides for donations to the Michigan Chapter to support our work as well!
Our solar partners, McNaughton-McKay Electric Company, Solar Winds Power Supply and Michigan Solar Solutions, offer their services by evaluating your home's solar capacity, educating the public on the benefits of solar power and providing expert installation of the customer's choice of solar array.

Ready to move forward with solar power and see if your home has solar capacity? Fill out our solar survey!

In August, the long anticipated rules regarding carbon dioxide pollution from power plants, one of the greenhouse gases responsible for climate change, will finally be finished. This historic rule represents the first such limits ever created in the United States to help protect us from climate change and represents a victory for ordinary citizens that are concerned about our planet's future.
People across the country are preparing to celebrate this moment and Michigan is no exception. On August 8 at the annual Green Cruise in Ferndale we’re planning to thank President Obama’s administration for taking a stand against big polluters. The Green Cruise is hosted each year by the Southeast Michigan Groupand celebrates all forms of human-powered transit. We will have a contingent of 50-100 people marching to support the Clean Power Plan. Do you like parades? Do you support clean energy?
Please join us to begin staging at 11:30 a.m. and participate in the parade to help us support the Clean Power Plan. We will meet at the Green Cruise festival on 9 Mile Rd. just east of Woodward Avenue in Ferndale. Please RSVPand you will receive a free Clean Power Plan t-shirt, button, and poster. Supplies are limited to the first fifty people. Please contact Andrew Sarpolis, Beyond Coal organizer, with any questions.

COME TO THE RETREAT FOR HIGH ROPES AND TUBING! AUGUST 21-23 AT CAMP MINIWANCA ON LAKE MICHIGAN

Photo by Camp Miniwanca Youth Foundation.

Camp Miniwanca, the gorgeous location of this year's Annual Retreat, features exciting outdoor activities that appeal to all age groups. Campers can participate in a high ropes course with various skill levels to choose from. For those seeking adventure in more than one way, outing leaders will offer rock climbing, tubing and boating on Lake Michigan.

In addition, the three-day weekend will feature plenty of hikes throughout the day and evening for those who want to explore the Great Lakes region's natural beauty in a more tranquil way.

Check out this year's retreat schedule to find activities through the weekend that appeal to you, and Sign Up NOW!

Not able to attend the retreat? Considering donating to our scholarship fund that allows families who cannot afford the weekend to attend!

The affordable and exciting Michigan Chapter Annual Retreat
is only two weeks away!
Sierra Club members and non-members alike
can sign up at this link
or call Cecilia Garcia at (517) 484-2372 x 10.

A MONTH IN REVIEW: MICHIGAN CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

	"Remember the Kalamazoo" On July 25, five years after Enbridge Line 6B broke open and spilled 1 million gallons of tar sands crude oil into Talmadge Creek and the Kalamazoo River, hundreds of people from across the Great Lakes region gathered in Battle Creek to "Remember the Kalamazoo." Local residents shared stories about the irretrievable impact of the oil spill on their lives and communities. River Walkers walked 12 miles from the start of the spill to the memorial, and the crowd silently joined them to walk to the Kalamazoo River. Learn more about the largest inland oil spill in our nation's history and the event here.
Let's Move Lansing Beyond Coal Rally On July 28th, Sierra Club members and volunteers gathered outside of Lansing's energy utility, the Board of Water and Light, to express concerns about the Board's future energy choices. The Club is urging BWL to increase public inputin the upcoming planning process, set retirement dates for BWL's two coal plants and plan ahead for future energy production. Conservation Director Anne Woiwode and Beyond Coal Organizer Brad van Guilder offered public comments at the meeting that urged the municipal utility to consider the Sierra Club's recommendations for the benefit of ratepayers and the environment. Contact Brad to learn more.
	Shut Down Enbridge Line 5 Rally at the State Capitol Over 100 Michigan residents rallied at the Capitol July 30 to highlight the danger of the 62-year-old Line 5 crude oil pipelines that cross the Straits of Mackinac. Protestors marched to the offices of Attorney General Bill Schuette and Governor Rick Snyder to deliver a letter signed by over 170 organizations and 300 Michigan businesses asking them to immediately shut down the pipeline. To learn more about Line 5 and join the shutdown effort, click here.


Craig Brainard will present alternatives to fossil fuels including solar power in his "Don't Frack Up our Future" presentation August 11 in St. Joseph. Sierra Club photo.

LEARN ABOUT FRACKING IN MICHIGAN AUGUST 11

Oil and gas drilling has been happening in Michigan for a very long time, but in recent years, interest in and exploration for these resources has ramped up considerably. In particular, fracking is a huge environmental concern that Craig Brainard, a volunteer and expert with Sierra Club’s Michigan Beyond Natural Gas and Oil Committee, has studied for over a decade. He has traveled all across Michigan – talking with drillers, legislators, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, local officials and ordinary citizens.

Craig will present the very latest information on oil and gas drilling in Michigan and how it impacts global warming and what we need to do to protect our Great Lakes State in a free program, Don’t Frack Up Our Future, Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 5:30pm at the St. Joseph Public Library, 500 Market St., St. Joseph. The event is sponsored by the Berrien County Democratic Women and Sierra Club SouthWest Michigan Group. For more information, call 269-945-8871.

To learn more about Sierra Club Michigan’s Beyond Natural Gas and Oil work, click here.


Photo by Anne Woiwode

BENEFITS OF CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY

With a charitable gift annuity with The Sierra Club Foundation, you help protect wild places and wildlife for future generations while receiving anannual payment for life, plus tax savings. Payment rates go as high as 9 percent, depending on your age.

This is a good way for anyone who cares about the environment to get an upfront tax deduction, to help the Sierra Club and our Michigan Chapter, and at the same time get a predictable stream of income for the rest of your life.

For more information on a charitable gift annuity and a no-obligation example of your benefits based on your age and donation amount (minimum of $10,000) contact Jan O'Connell at 616-956-6646.

EXPLORE AND ENJOY: PIGEON RIVER COUNTRY STATE FOREST

Sierra Club is committed to "exploring, enjoying and protecting the planet." Each issue of the Michigan Chapter Update includes a feature on exploring and enjoying places in Michigan. Lorne Beatty, the Michigan Chapter Outings Chair, introduces us to the Pigeon River Country State Forest.


Pigeon River Country State Forest offers something for everyone who loves the outdoors. Photo courtesy DNR

Michigan's over four million acres of public land offer numerous State and National Forest Campgrounds, frequently located on inland lakes or streams. One of my favorite places to camp, fish, hike, cross country ski and explore in the northern lower peninsula is the 95,000 acre Pigeon River Country in Otsego, Cheboygan and Montmorency Counties.
The Pigeon River Country is easily accessed from I-75 at the Vanderbilt exit, via Sturgeon Valley Road. The Pigeon River Country encompasses the headwaters and several, remote miles of thePigeon, Sturgeon and Black Rivers, which are enjoyed by paddlers and trout fishermen alike. There are several small and uncrowded state forest campgrounds in the Pigeon River Country which can be found here. The twin Blue Lakes, while not a campsite, offer walk-in canoe fishing for bass, perch and pike--a fisherman's paradise.
In addition, the Devil's Soup Bowl is one of the unique sinkhole lakes in the Pigeon River Country. From the lake, a short hike from a parking area offers a scenic overlook with a beautiful panoramic view of the forest with the Cornwall flooding in the distance. The Pigeon River Country still showcases remnants of Michigan's old growth pine forests, which is home to Michigan's elk herd. A network of dirt roads, two tracks and hiking trails connect these natural features with most of the campgrounds. Mapsare recommended, as finding well-marked main roads can prove difficult.
For an interesting and complete history of this area, I suggest reading The Pigeon River Country by Dale Clark Franz.

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We welcome feedback on the Michigan Chapter Update - Contact us at michigan.chapter@sierraclub.org

Michigan Legislature Update from Sierra Club - June 18, 2015

2015-06-17T13:01:00.000-04:00

Michigan Legislature Update from Sierra Club

June 18, 2015

Submitted by Mike Berkowitz

The Michigan House has concluded session for their summer recess while the Senate is still debating whether or not to take a summer break.

Energy Legislation

-House: Energy Committee Chair Nesbitt held hearings on his bills (HB 4298-4304) but has not taken any further action on them yet. This legislation would repeal Michigan’s Energy Optimization Standard, classify waste incineration as a renewable energy form, and allow for the expansion of natural gas pipelines and infrastructure using ratepayer money.

We submitted written testimony opposing this legislation and have been actively lobbying against it.

-Senate: We are still waiting on Senate Energy Committee Chairman Sen. Nofs to introduce his legislation.

Here is our action alert on this issue: http://action.sierraclub.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&id=11335.

Pipeline/Energy FOIA Legislation

HB 4540 (Heise) blocks public access to information about “critical energy infrastructure” and “cybersecurity” through the Freedom of Information Act. The bill had two committee hearings but has not yet been voted on. Legislators on the House Oversight and Ethics committee are negotiating amendments to the bill. We are encouraging lawmakers to either oppose the bill or remove the “critical energy infrastructure” portion of the legislation and only make it apply to cybersecurity.

We submitted written testimony opposing this legislation and have been actively lobbying against it.

Here is our action alert on this issue: http://sierraclubmichiganaction.blogspot.com/2015/05/take-action-tell-legislators-to-vote-no.html

Fracking Waste Legislation

HB 4469 (Pagan) and SB 277 (Hopgood) would regulate low-level radioactive fracking waste in Michigan landfills. We are neutral on this legislation because it does not ban the waste or increase environmental protection substantively. It mainly focuses on increasing documentation and reporting from landfills that accept fracking waste. The bill sponsors are still negotiating the bill language with the DEQ and hope to get a committee hearing on it later this year.

We are encouraging other legislators to introduce a bill that would completely ban radioactive fracking waste and/or substantively increase environmental standards.

No Stricter Than Federal Legislation

HB 4246 (Farrington) would prohibit the Governor and his/her agencies from issuing any regulation that is more stringent than federal law unless specifically authorized by the legislature. This bill had two Regulatory Reform committee hearings but has not been voted on. Gov. Snyder vetoed similar legislation two sessions ago.

We submitted written testimony opposing this legislation and have been actively lobbying against it.

Here is our action alert on this issue: http://action.sierraclub.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&id=15391.

Modifying the Natural Resources Trust Fund

SB 206 (Booher/Casperson) would tie the hands of the Department of Natural Resources when it comes to managing land, while also changing the Natural Resources Trust Fund to focus more heavily on developing land. This legislation had one committee hearing with major pushback from us, the MI Environmental Council, and the DNR. The legislation has temporarily stalled since that hearing but we are prepared in case it comes back up.

If you have questions about any of these items, legislation not included in this update, or want to find out how you can get involved with our legislative work, please email Mike.Berkowitz@sierraclub.org.

Michigan Chapter Update - May 3, 2015

2015-05-03T10:23:00.001-04:00

Michigan Chapter Update
May 3, 2015

In this Issue:

Sierra Club Supports Proposal 1 on May 5th Election!
Political Committee Fundraiser May 6th features Farough and Miller
More than 100 Attend "Race, Class, Culture and Diversity in Environmental Organizations"
Democratic Legislators introduce Bold Clean Energy Package
House Legislators Introduce Pipeline Safety Legislation
"Don't Frack Up Our Future" Presentation May 7th in Grand Haven
Honor the People You Care About: Commemorative and Memorial Gifts
Explore and Enjoy! Fayette Historic State Park

Sierra Club Supports Proposal 1 in the May 5th Election!

The Michigan Chapter of Sierra Club has endorsed Proposal 1, a proposal that wouldincrease funding for public transit. Don't forget to vote in this special election this Tuesday, May 5th, between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm.

Proposal 1 will provide $115 million a year in increased funding for public transportation throughout Michigan. This will allow expanded bus service for seniors, low-income workers and others while reducing the use of cars and greenhouse gas emissions. Proposal 1 will also provide $10 million a year to the Department of Natural Resource's Recreation Improvement Fund which provides grants for the operation, maintenance and development ofrecreation trails and restoration of lands damaged by off-road vehicles and inland lake cleanup.

Click here to check your polling location, make sure you're registered, and see what your ballot will look like. And vote this Tuesday!

Farough and Miller to Speak at Fundraiser on May 6th

Are you sick of reading about how Michigan's legislature keeps attacking the environment? Here's your chance to fight back. The Michigan Chapter's Political Committee is hosting a fundraiser on May 6th in Lansing. Come hear from Gayle Miller and Dan Farough, the two previous Sierra Club political directors, who will be the honored speakers at this event.
All of the money raised at the fundraiser will go toward helping elect pro-environment candidates to the Michigan legislature and local offices.

Sierra Club Political Committee Fundraiser

Wednesday, May 6th
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Kelly’s Downtown Irish Pub
220 S Washington Square South
Lansing, MI, 48933

RSVP to mike.berkowitz@sierraclub.org if you’d like to attend. Can’t make it to the fundraiser but still want to help make it a success? Click here to make a donation for the fundraiser!

More than 100 Attend "Race, Class, Culture and Diversity in Environmental Organizations"


"Race, Class, Culture, & Diversity in Environmental Organizations" program held March 26th at Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD). Photo courtesy of WCCCD

The Sierra Club Great Lakes Program partnered with the Beyond Coal Campaign in Detroit to host "Race, Class, Culture and Diversity in Environmental Organizations" at Wayne County Community College District on March 26th.

Over 100 people attended to learn about University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment professor Dr. Dorceta Taylor's latest research, "The State of Diversity in Environmental Organizations." Former Sierra Club President Allison Chin spoke about the Sierra Club's history and efforts to be a diverse, equitable and inclusive multicultural organization. Post-presentation discussions facilitated by the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity helped participants complete action plans for personal and organizational transformation.

Gail Philbin, Michigan Chapter Director, shared the Michigan Chapter's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its recruitment of Executive Committee members. She also shared that the Executive Committee planned to host an introduction to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusionprogram of Sierra Club at the spring meeting.

Find out more about Sierra Club's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives here.

Democratic Legislators Introduce A Bold Clean Energy Package

On April 23rd a long awaited package called Powering Michigan's Future with bills to expand Michigan's renewable energy standards and energy efficiency was introduced into both Michigan houses of the legislature. The bills will expand utility requirements forrenewable electric generation to 20 percent by 2022 and double the energy efficiency standards in Michigan to two percent per year. The Senate package (SB 295, 296 and 297) was co-sponsored by every Democratic senator and the overwhelming majority of Democratic members of the House joined in co-sponsoring one or more House bills (HB 4055, 4518, and4519).
"We strongly support this legislative package that will increase Michigan’s renewable energy and energy optimization standards" said Mike Berkowitz, Legislative Director of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. "This legislation will protect clean air and water while also creating jobs and stabilizing the climate. It is fitting that this legislation was introduced right after the45th anniversary of Earth Day. We applaud the Democratic proposal and look forward to working with all lawmakers on legislation that will boldly claim clean energy as a Michigan priority."
The Powering Michigan's Future bills are the first that would begin to implement the achievable energy goals identified in four reports prepared for Governor Snyder in 2013 by the Michigan Energy Office and the Michigan Public Service Commission. By contrast, the House Energy Committee is expected to continue to take testimony on a package of bills sponsored by the Committee Chair Aric Nesbitt that would undermine Michigan's renewable energy and energy optimization standards adopted in 2008.
Take action to encourage Michigan's Legislators to strengthen our clean energy standards!

House Legislators Introduce Pipeline Safety Legislation


Legislators introduce oil and gas pipeline safety legisla- tion on Earth Day. From left: Nic Clark of Clean Water Action; Rep. Gretchen Driskell; Rep. Jeff Irwin; Rep. Sarah Roberts; and Sierra Club's Robert Gordon

On Earth Day, legislators reintroduced a package of bills designed toenhance oil and gas pipeline safety in Michigan. "We can’t afford another disaster like the 2010 oil pipeline leak that spread to the Kalamazoo River, where a ruptured pipeline and a delayed response caused enormous damage," Rep. Sarah Roberts said. "These bills will increase safety standards and enable more effective emergency responses, so that Michigan doesn’t suffer another billion-dollar debacle."
Reps. Jeff Irwin, Gretchen Driskell and Tom Cochran joined with Roberts in introducing the legislation that would fix major holes in Michigan's current regulatory oversight of pipelines. Sierra Club legislative volunteer Robert Gordon said: "Cleaning up a leak is a lot more expensive and difficult than preventing one. And some damage to people and ecosystems can never be undone. That’s why it's so important to put measures in place now to avoid future leaks."
The bills (HB 4511-4514) include requirements focused on protecting the Great Lakes, including requiring the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to regularly inspect pipelines that cross the Great Lakes, and requiring pipeline operators to obtain permits from the Michigan Public Service Commission that demand environmental review. The bills have not yet been scheduled for hearings.

"Don't Frack Up Our Future" Presentation May 7th in Grand Haven

Do you want to know more about oil and gas drilling in Michigan? Be at the Loutit District Library, 407 Columbus Avenue, Grand Haven, at 7 PM Thursday, May 7th, for the presentation "Don't Frack Up Our Future."
SouthWest Michigan Group member Craig Brainard, who serves on the Michigan Chapter's Executive Committee and is the Education Coordinator for the Chapter’s Beyond Natural Gas Campaign, has studied the issues of climate change and fracking for over a decade. He has traveled all across Michigan, talking with Michigan residents, local officials, drillers, legislators, the DEQ, the DNR, and others.
In this knowledgeable presentation, Craig shares what he's learned about what's happening with oil and gas drilling in Michigan, its relationship to global warming, and what we need to do to protect public health, our beautiful state, and her resources.
For more info, call (269) 945-8871, or call the Loutit District Library at (616) 842-5560.
The Sierra Club's SouthWest Michigan Group is sponsoring the event. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. Come join us!

Commemorative and Memorial Gifts


Honor the people you care about by preserving the beauty of nature with a gift to the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter

Honoring the people you care about by preserving the beauty of nature

Commemorative gifts are a unique way to honor someone important to you by celebrating a special occasion or commemorating a milestone, such as awedding, anniversary or birthday. Making a memorial gift in remembrance of a family member or dear friend, you not only affirm your environmental values, but also recognize that these values were shared by the individual being honored.

For both commemorative & memorial gifts, a letter is sent to you acknowledging the gift and confirming that notice of the gift has been sent. For more information on either of these programs, email jan.connell@sierraclub.org or call Jan at (616) 956-6646.

To make a safe and secure immediate online gift click this link: Michigan Sierra Club Memorial/Honoree Gift.

Explore and Enjoy! Fayette Historic State Park


Restored ruins at Fayette Historic State Park frame the limestone cliffs across the natural harbor. photo by Anne Woiwode

Sierra Club is committed to "exploring, enjoying and protecting the planet." The Michigan Chapter Update includes features on exploring and enjoying places in Michigan. Conservation Director Anne Woiwode introduces us toFayette Historic State Park on the Garden Peninsula jutting off the Upper Peninsula into Lake Michigan.One of the most remote places in Michigan is home to a gem of a state park that offers excitement for history buffs, kayakers, hikers andbirdwatchers. Fayette Historic State Park is about 32 miles by road to the southwest of Manistique, lying about three-quarters of the way down the Garden Peninsula on Big Bay de Noc. My visit to the park was on a clear hot summer day, with the deep blue water of a lovely natural harbor formed by white limestone cliffs on the north painting a scene as inviting as any in Michigan. The harbor is the center of the Fayette Historic Townsite, once a thriving industrial town that produced charcoal pig iron in the late 1800s. The park offers exhibits and programs about the history of the site.
For those seeking outdoor adventures, the harbor and bay attract paddlers to explore the shoreline and get up close to the cliffs. Five miles of trails are open for hiking and cross-country skiing, including a short trail that runs ontop of the cliffs, providing wonderful views of the townsite, the harbor and the bay. The limestone cliffs are part of the Niagra Escarpment which runs from New York State through Ontario, creating Niagra Falls, then across the Upper Peninsula and into Wisconsin through the Door Peninsula. The proximity of the Door and Garden Peninsulas, with islands spaced between them, makes the peninsula a good site for viewing migrating raptors and songbirds.
As you visit any public lands in Michigan this year, please make a point of letting your legislators know how much you value the opportunity public lands give you to hike, paddle, ski, camp, fish, hunt, gather berries or just sit quietly and enjoy nature. These lands are now in the crosshairs of legislators who are seeking to privatize large amounts of Michigan's public lands. To find out more, visit the Michigan Chapter website.

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Support the Michigan Chapter!
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Michigan Chapter Google+

We welcome feedback on the Michigan Chapter Update - Contact us at michigan.chapter@sierraclub.org.

Sierra Club official comments on ET Rover Pipeline submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

2014-12-21T22:50:00.003-05:00

Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

888 First Street NE, Room 1A

Washington, DC 20426

Dear Ms. Bose,

The comments submitted below are pursuant to the scoping process for the proposed ET Rover Pipeline (Docket #PF14-14-000). These comments are submitted on behalf of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, 109 E Grand River Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906.

Nancy Shiffler

Chair, Michigan Beyond Natural Gas and Oil Committee

December 16, 2014

There is little in this proposal that reflects a “balancing of public benefits with residual impacts.” This pipeline is part of an attempt by the natural gas industry to find a market for its over production in the Marcellus play in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, in particular to expand exports. There is no demonstrated need for additional natural gas capacity in Michigan or in the region in general, while the impact on the safety, economic value, and environmental health of local property owners and communities would be considerable.

Public Convenience and Necessity

• In determining the proper scope of an EIS under NEPA, an agency must consider cumulative and similar actions (40 C.F.R. 1508.25).

- “Cumulative actions” are defined as actions which, when viewed with other proposed actions, have cumulatively significant impacts and therefore must be discussed in the same EIS (40 C.F.R. 1508.25(a)(2)). There are at least eight existing pipelines crossing between Canada and the Eastern US and six new pipelines and pipeline expansions planned, and a total of 57 new pipelines and expansions approved or pending flowing in all directions. FERC should consider the cumulative impact of all of these proposed pipelines, including both environmental impacts and the rate of depletion of the resources themselves.

- “Similar actions” are actions which, when viewed with other reasonably foreseeable or proposed actions, have similarities that provide a basis for evaluating their environmental consequences together (40 C.F.R. 1508.25(a)(3)). There are a number of proposed and existing pipeline projects that would fit this definition, including the proposed Spectra Energy Nexus pipeline, which runs parallel to the proposed Rover pipeline through Ohio and Michigan, with similar starting points and the same endpoint, and the TransCanada ANR East project which makes use of similar terminals. The relative impacts of all of these projects should be considered together.

- Also relevant to this issue is the June, 2014, decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, et. Al. v. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, which noted FERC’s responsibility to consider cumulative impacts. FERC should consider the cumulative impacts of the entire length of the Rover pipeline and the activities that produce the gas to be transported through the pipeline.

• Michigan does not need this line. It already has considerable existing inflow capacity and outflow capacity from existing pipelines (EIA State to State Capacity, 2013 -- www.eia.gov/naturalgas/data.cfm#pipelines).

• Michigan has more than sufficient underground natural gas storage capacity to lessen any additional need to meet seasonal demands (www.eia.gov/state/print.cfm?sid=mi).

• In 2013 Energy Transfer and FERC agreed that no additional pipeline capacity was needed in the Midwest, when ET proposed abandoning their Trunkline natural gas pipeline (FERC Order to Approve Abandonment, CP12-491-000, 2013). In that order FERC agreed that the company had provided sufficient evidence that current needs could be met with existing infrastructure without the continuation of the Trunkline capacity. FERC further ruled that comments projecting future increased needs if coal plants were converted to natural gas plants were merely speculative. We concur with that conclusion, in that future energy needs could also be met with continued growth of energy efficiency and renewables (www.michigan.gov/documents/energy/ee_report_441094_7.pdf and www.michigan.gov/documents/energy/renewable_final_438952_7.pdf). Any analysis of future natural gas needs in Michigan should also consider the impact of renewables and energy efficiency on those needs.

• Jobs projections are always speculative, and projections for one project can also be met or exceeded by other projects. The ET Rover’s projection of 3,000 temporary Michigan jobs for pipeline construction can be met or exceeded by the 100,000 jobs projected from increasing energy efficiency and renewable standards (www.micef.org/index.php/documents), or the jobs created by repairing or replacing our existing aging pipeline infrastructure.

• Given ET’s current debt status and current market conditions, FERC should consider whether ET has the capacity to actually complete this project. (http://www.dallasnews.com/business/energy/20140923-at-energy-transfer-shale- boom-brings-big-growth-and-big-debt.ece)

Adverse Environmental Impacts

• Because the final proposed route is still being determined as the deadline for scoping comments approaches, the public may not have adequate opportunity to comment on the actual route. FERC should extend the opportunity for public comment once the final application is filed.

• The EIS should include an analysis of the impacts of all the alternative routes, including the Spectra Energy Nexus and the ANR East routes and a no action option, to address the concerns listed below.

• The proposed route crosses through several watersheds in Michigan, including the River Raisin, the Huron River, the Flint River, the Clinton River, the Belle River, and the St. Clair River. The EIS should address the impact on these rivers and their fisheries, including the health of the watersheds and the potential impact of invasive species. Of particular note in the proposed St. Clair River crossing is a fish spawning reef currently under construction (joint project with Fish and Wildlife Service) and designed to provide a spawning area for sturgeon (a threatened and endangered species), whitefish, and walleye. The fisheries in the St. Clair River are connected by fish migration to both Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair. The St. Clair River Flats, downstream from the proposed route, is one of the largest fresh water deltas in the world.

• Depending on the final route, there is potential harm to a number of important wetland and natural areas in Michigan, including the Irish Hills area in Lenawee County, Pinckney Recreation area in Washtenaw and Livingston Counties, and Metamora/Hadley State Recreation Area, Ortonville State Recreation Area, and Sutherland Nature Center in Genesee County, among others. The EIS should provide an accounting of the total acreage of wetlands that would be affected by each alternative.

• Likewise, the EIS should provide an accounting of the acreage of forests and woodlots that would be affected by the alternatives. A number of landowners in rural areas have commented on portions of the route passing through farmland woodlots, orchards, vineyards, and nurseries, with no opportunity for restoration since trees cannot be planted within pipeline rights of way. Consideration should also be given to the potential for the spread of diseases such as the oak wilt virus if forest and woodlot health is affected.

• In rural areas, there has been insufficient consideration of the impact on farmlands, including farmer’s access to farm fields during construction and inadequate restoration of topsoil during reclamation. Temporary plugging or damage to drainage ditches and underground tiling could have affects extending beyond the construction area. Particular attention must be paid to protection for existing conservation easements, Fish and Wildlife Services contracts for resource conservation, USDA-NRCS Conservation Stewardship and Grassland Reserve Programs, and timber stand improvement contracts.

• The alternatives should also be assessed for impacts on state and federal threatened and endangered species, including a habitat suitability survey along each route. For Michigan, the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (www.mnfi.anr.msue.edu/explorer/search.cfm) provides the listings for each of the counties on the proposed routes.

• In addition to methane and CO2 emissions, FERC should also calculate other emissions, including benzene, VOCs, arsenic, radium, and other chemicals.

Adverse Impact on Landowners and Local Communities

• Safety impacts are of paramount concern. The required setbacks from homes and other buildings are insufficient to account for the potential impact radius in the event of an explosion. The EIS should analyze the safety risks posed by the number of residences within the projected impact radius of the pipeline.

• Many rural areas are served by small fire departments backed by local volunteer fire fighters, which would be stretched thin in the event of a major explosion or fire. The EIS should assess the response time and capacity for communities along the route.

• Local government concerns over the impact of heavy equipment on local roads and bridges must be addressed. The EIS should assess the potential costs to local communities.

• Landowner complaints have arisen during the pre-filing process concerning the behavior of survey crews and lack of advance information from the company. Such behavior does little to instill confidence that the company would follow through properly during construction, reclamation, and maintenance in the future.

Thank you for the opportunity to present these concerns. We look forward to your responses to all of the comments, which have been submitted during this scoping process.

Menu for success — renewables, efficiency

2014-06-04T20:17:00.002-04:00

June 4, 2014

Menu for success — renewables, efficiency

BY REBECCA ESTELLE-SKEELS

Cherryland Electric Cooperative’s Tony Anderson (May 5 forum) says no single energy source can protect our environment and pocketbooks; our “energy plate’s” main course must be coal, natural gas, or nuclear, with energy efficiency and renewables sprinkled on top.

His recipe is upside down; sticking with it will cook our goose. In fact, the goose is in the oven: Michigan’s energy recipe is 49 percent coal, 25 percent nuclear power, and 20 percent gas, with just 5 percent renewables (headed for 10 percent, thanks to state law) and 1 percent efficiency per year sprinkled on top. Those main ingredients have problems.

Coal’s costs far outweigh its benefits. Prices are high because fuel transportation and mining costs are growing very expensive. And importing it annually exports $1.2 billion to coal states.

Pollution from Michigan’s nine oldest coal plants annually cost us $1.5 billion in health care. Also their mercury emissions make some fish in every lake and river dangerous dining. Coal’s high carbon emissions cause climate disruption, which is linked to historically low Great Lakes water levels and destruction of cherry and apple crops.

Natural gas is cleaner than coal, with half the carbon, but fracking goes far beyond traditional extraction. It drills deeper vertically and farther horizontally, permanently poisons 100 times more fresh water, and injects toxic stews into the ground. There were 170 contaminated water sites, including well water, in the northern Michigan area reported in 2009. There have been at least 10 accidental and deliberate fracking fluid spills and oil and gas accidents since 2010 in our immediate area. Some heavily fracked states have endured unsafe drinking water, higher toxic air pollution levels, and soil and water contamination.

Nuclear ties up huge financial and natural resources, and poses grave safety and health problems in any serious accident. South Haven’s Palisades plant reported seven leaks since 2012; six caused shutdowns.

Renewables cannot be just sprinkles on top. New wind power is far cheaper than new coal, is just as reliable, pollutes nothing, and keeps more hard-earned dollars cycling through Michigan’s economy rather than headed to Wyoming.

Solar power prices are half what they were a few years ago; energy efficiency measures are the cheapest form of power; Gov. Rick Snyder’s renewables and efficiency reports find room for big servings of both — far healthier fare with the same tab.

We don’t have to consume dirty energy that hampers our health, economy, and Great Lakes. Our state’s elected leaders should increase Michigan’s renewable energy standard and prod those monopolies to foster new, clean-energy developments that replace lost tax revenues and produce new jobs.

This is no fantasy: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana are following a regional energy plan that uses wind power and efficiency to move almost entirely away from fossil fuels and hydroelectricity by 2030.

Renewables and efficiency must be our main course. For dessert, we’ll enjoy strong economic and public health, plenty of jobs, and national leadership in the unstoppable, global, clean-energy economy.

About the author: Rebecca Estelle-Skeels is chair of the Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club’s Clearwater Conservation Committee. which covers Kalkaska, Antrim, Otsego, Crawford, Missaukee and Roscommon Counties.

Hydraulic Fracturing: What Does it Mean for Michigan?

2013-06-26T12:00:00.000-04:00

The Crazy Wisdom Community Journal • May - August 2013 • Page 39

Canadian firm plans fracking campaign that could require 4 billion gallons of Michigan water

2013-06-25T11:22:00.000-04:00

http://bridgemi.com/2013/06/canadian-firm-plans-fracking-campaign-that-could-require-4-billion-gallons-of-michigan-water/#sthash.th0R17ni.dpuf

By Jeff Alexander/Bridge Magazine contributor

KALKASKA — A Canadian firm has laid out plans to drill 500 new natural gas wells in Northern Michigan, using a technique that could consume more than 4 billion gallons of groundwater — or about as much water as Traverse City uses in two years.

The firm, Encana Corp., will rely on hydraulic fracturing or “fracking,” a technique cloaked in controversy that requires large amounts of water, mixed with chemicals and other elements, to break down rock formations and release natural gas. Encana, for example, used 8.5 million gallons of groundwater earlier this month to frack a single gas well, the Westerman in Kalkaska County, east of Traverse City.

Because most of the water used in fracking becomes contaminated and is left in geologic formations deep underground, a recent surge in drilling by Encana and other companies has raised concerns that fracking could drain water from some of the state’s best rivers.

Encana recently drilled several new wells into the Collingwood shale formation, which lies about two miles underground. That’s the first step in a plan to drill 500 more deep shale wells in the region using fracking, according to company records.

STATE MAP OF FRACKING PERMIT SITES

The company’s plan to drill several new gas wells near Kalkaska will entail pumping about 300 million gallons of water out of the ground, injecting that water into several gas well bores and then leaving nearly all of the contaminated water in the ground when the fracking is completed, according to state records.

The result: A net loss of up to 300 million gallons of groundwater to the North Branch of the Manistee River, a blue-ribbon trout stream fed almost entirely by groundwater. One of Encana’s drilling sites is a half-mile from the Manistee River’s North Branch, according to company records.

“If the citizens of Michigan knew corporations were destroying hundreds of millions of gallons of Michigan water – water that is supposedly protected by government for use by all of us – they would be opposing this new kind of completion (fracking) technique,” said Paul Brady, a fracking watchdog who lives near Kalkaska. “These deep shale, unconventional wells are using massive amounts of water without adequate testing and solid data on aquifer capacity.”

Encana spokesman Doug Hock, however, is optimistic: “Can we access the (deep shale gas) and still protect the environment? Absolutely.”

State’s monitoring questioned, defended

Michigan’s Water Withdrawal Assessment Tool, a computer-based program launched in 2006, was supposed to prevent water withdrawals that could harm streams and rivers. The tool is Michigan’s first line of defense against excessive water withdrawals, but it was developed before drillers began using large quantities of water when fracking deep shale gas wells here.

But scientists, lawyers and Michigan courts have said the tool and other state estimates of stream flows are deeply flawed. If true, such a problem could result in the state inadvertently approving large water withdrawals that hurt rivers and streams.

Researchers at Michigan State University recently found several sites where the state’s water tool over-estimated the volume of water in small headwater streams that feed the Manistee River.

“In some watersheds, we are seeing that the assumed flows (calculated by the state’s water tool) are much higher than we measured. In one case the tool was off by a factor of three,” said David Hyndman, a hydrogeologist, professor and chairman of MSU’s Department of Geological Sciences.

Those findings were significant for three reasons, Hyndman said: Many of the Collingwood shale gas wells are being drilled in the ecologically fragile headwater areas of rivers; headwater streams are critically important to the health of entire river systems; and the state does little monitoring in headwater streams, where rivers originate.

Government and industry officials defended the state’s water assessment tool. State officials who developed the tool “did error analysis to make sure it was working and everywhere they tested, it worked,” said Jill VanDyke, a senior geologist with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

The Water Withdrawal Assessment Tool estimates flows in Michigan’s 7,000 streams and river segments using data from river gauges and other information, including geology, soil characteristics, drainage area and precipitation. But only 2 percent of all river and stream segments in Michigan, 147 sites, have gauges that measure actual stream flows. That lack of in-stream data forced the DEQ to base much of the water assessment tool on general environmental conditions and mathematical models.

Dave Hamilton, a former DEQ official who helped develop the water assessment tool, said it takes a “very conservative” approach to ensure that large water withdrawals don’t cause adverse impacts.

“Ninety percent of the time there is more water in a stream than what the tool is saying,” said Hamilton, who is now a senior policy adviser for The Nature Conservancy’s Michigan chapter.

Well uses 3 million gallons from village supplies

State law requires using the tool to screen water withdrawals that exceed 100,000 gallons daily. If the tool raises a red flag, state officials conduct a site visit. Those site visits usually lead to permit approvals, according to DEQ officials.

Since 2008, the DEQ has issued 52 permits for large, fracking-related water withdrawals. Another 17 permits are pending, according to state data.

Fracking critics said recent problems at the Westerman gas well in Kalkaska County — where water wells didn’t produce as predicted and drillers had to truck in 3 million of gallons of water from Kalkaska and Mancelona to complete the fracking process — highlighted flaws in the water assessment tool.

Encana’s Hock and DEQ officials blamed the problem on “geologic conditions” unrelated to the water assessment tool.

“Everyone wanted to jump to the conclusion that the (water assessment) tool didn’t work and there wasn’t adequate water,” Hock said. “The tool worked well … it was a matter of really tougher rock than we anticipated.”

Industry watchdog Brady said the DEQ is trying to gloss over problems with the water assessment tool.

“Obviously the tool declared that the area had ample water and as we unfortunately found out the tool was inaccurate,” said Brady, who has written extensively about fracking on therespectmyplanet.org website.

Concerns about Michigan’s ability to accurately predict stream flows aren’t new. In 2005, the DEQ planned to issue a permit allowing an oil company to discharge 1.15 million gallons of slightly contaminated groundwater daily into Kolke Creek, the headwaters of the Au Sable River. The DEQ claimed that the index (or average) flow in Kolke Creek was about 6,000 gallons per minute, enough to dilute the oil company’s contaminated water without harming the creek.

As part of a lawsuit challenging the DEQ permit, independent scientists proved that the state’s estimate of Kolke Creek’s index flow was up to 100 times greater than the actual flow.

A state circuit court concluded that the state’s estimate of the flow in Kolke Creek was inaccurate and blocked the proposed discharge of polluted water into creek. The DEQ appealed but the state Court of Appeals upheld the lower court’s ruling.

The prospects for natural gas drilling – and the subsequent need for water supplies for fracking – have waxed and waned in Michigan in recent years.

First came a boom of investment in drilling rights on state property as petroleum firms lookedto extend natural gas exploration from Pennsylvania and Ohio into Michigan.

By late 2012, though, the pace of exploration in Michigan was still far below drilling rates seen in other Great Lakes states and low natural gas prices were seen as a potential brake on activity.

That may soon change.

Encana officials said the oil and gas industry wants to export natural gas extracted from shale formations in Michigan and other states to consumers in Asia. Demand for natural gas in China is strong and prices are double the cost of natural gas in the U.S., industry, watchdogs said.

China’s government-controlled energy company, Sinopec, has already invested $2.5 billion in a joint venture with Oklahoma-based Devon Energy. Devon has permits to drill several Collingwood shale wells in Northern Michigan, according to state records.

And late last week, Michigan Congressman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph and chairman of the House’s energy panel, touted fracking as an aid in making the U.S. “energy independent” in natural gas:

“We’re the largest natural gas producer now in the world because of the advances that we’ve done on hydraulic fracking. … We are so rich in that resource.”

Environmental News

Coal is dead. A Michigan town is at center of battle over what’s next.

Michigan Sierra Club Announces Legislative Priorities for 2017-2018

Burning Trees for Energy is a Lousy Idea - MI Chapter Update - 10-16-16

Increased Asthma Attacks Tied to Exposure to Natural Gas Production

Michigan Chapter Update - January 3, 2016

Sierra Club Submits Letter of Opposition to Nexus Pipeline - 12/21/15

Michigan Chapter Update - November 1, 2015

Michigan Chapter Update - October 18, 2015

My First Time at Sierra Club's Citizen Lobby Day by Kevin Duffy

Michigan Chapter Update - October 4, 2015

Time's running out to register for this important workshop!

Michigan Chapter Update - August 15, 2015

Michigan Chapter Update

AUGUST 16 2015

In this issue:

SIERRA CLUB URGES FORMER GOVERNOR TO USE ROLE ON ENBRIDGE BOARD TO SHUT DOWN LINE 5

SIERRA CLUB FILES AMICUS BRIEF ON REVIEW OF PALISADES NUCLEAR REACTOR

NEW ENERGY LEGISLATION COULD DESTROY SOLAR ENERGY IN MICHIGAN

STAND UP FOR STRONGER GREAT LAKES PROTECTION IN MICHIGAN

LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR ANNUAL RETREAT

LET'S BAN FRACKING IN MICHIGAN

A FOND FAREWELL TO OUR TWO-YEAR INTERN

EXPLORE AND ENJOY! IARGO SPRINGS

We welcome feedback on the Michigan Chapter Update - Contact us at michigan.chapter@sierraclub.org.

Michigan Chapter Update - August 2, 2015

Michigan Chapter Update

August 2, 2015

SIERRA CLUB ENDORSES BAN MICHIGAN FRACKING PETITION DRIVE

JOIN THE PARADE FOR CLEAN POWER AND THE GREEN CRUISE AUGUST 8

COME TO THE RETREAT FOR HIGH ROPES AND TUBING! AUGUST 21-23 AT CAMP MINIWANCA ON LAKE MICHIGAN

A MONTH IN REVIEW: MICHIGAN CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

"Remember the Kalamazoo"

Let's Move Lansing Beyond Coal Rally

Shut Down Enbridge Line 5 Rally at the State Capitol

LEARN ABOUT FRACKING IN MICHIGAN AUGUST 11

BENEFITS OF CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY

EXPLORE AND ENJOY: PIGEON RIVER COUNTRY STATE FOREST

We welcome feedback on the Michigan Chapter Update - Contact us at michigan.chapter@sierraclub.org

Michigan Legislature Update from Sierra Club - June 18, 2015

Michigan Chapter Update - May 3, 2015

Michigan Chapter UpdateMay 3, 2015In this Issue:

Sierra Club Supports Proposal 1 in the May 5th Election!

Farough and Miller to Speak at Fundraiser on May 6th

Sierra Club Political Committee Fundraiser

Wednesday, May 6th4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Kelly’s Downtown Irish Pub 220 S Washington Square South Lansing, MI, 48933

More than 100 Attend "Race, Class, Culture and Diversity in Environmental Organizations"

Democratic Legislators Introduce A Bold Clean Energy Package

House Legislators Introduce Pipeline Safety Legislation

"Don't Frack Up Our Future" Presentation May 7th in Grand Haven

Commemorative and Memorial Gifts

Honoring the people you care about by preserving the beauty of nature

Explore and Enjoy! Fayette Historic State Park

We welcome feedback on the Michigan Chapter Update - Contact us at michigan.chapter@sierraclub.org.

Sierra Club official comments on ET Rover Pipeline submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

Menu for success — renewables, efficiency

Menu for success — renewables, efficiency

Hydraulic Fracturing: What Does it Mean for Michigan?

Canadian firm plans fracking campaign that could require 4 billion gallons of Michigan water

State’s monitoring questioned, defended

Well uses 3 million gallons from village supplies

Michigan Chapter Update
May 3, 2015

In this Issue:

Wednesday, May 6th
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Kelly’s Downtown Irish Pub
220 S Washington Square South
Lansing, MI, 48933