The EPA is seeking a $140 million civil penalty against Zug Island's EES Coke Battery, while the facility and its owner DTE Energy propose a $5 million penalty.| Planet Detroit
"It is so bizarre as a member of Congress, finding out that FEMA will come and cover getting a new furnace or water heater, but won't actually cover the actual mitigation and cleaning up of the sewage and the water in people's basements,” says U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib.| Planet Detroit
EES Coke Battery on Zug Island switched to coke oven gas as its exclusive fuel source after damage to the facility was discovered around 2011 and 2012, according to federal court testimony.| Planet Detroit
As millions of birds traverse Metro Detroit each fall, simple measures such as reducing unnecessary lighting and securing windows can significantly mitigate urban threats to their migration.| Planet Detroit
Planet Detroit's Sustainable Holiday Gift Guide empowers businesses to connect with eco-conscious Metro Detroiters, offering a platform to promote green values during the peak shopping season.| Planet Detroit
Planet Detroit is empowering local makers and small businesses by curating a sustainable holiday gift guide, spotlighting eco-friendly and socially responsible products and services.| Planet Detroit
Planet Detroit, honored with the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter's Environmental Journalism Award, highlights the power of independent journalism in advocating for communities facing pollution. Meanwhile, Dr. Dolores Leonard's recognition as the 2025 Jane Elder Environmentalist of the Year underscores her leadership in the 48217 community's fight for environmental justice.| Planet Detroit
EES Coke Battery's net worth is about $135 million to $155 million, executive vice president testifies Thursday.| Planet Detroit
Planning commission vote follows a seven-hour public meeting and outpouring of resident concern over impacts to water resources and energy prices.| Planet Detroit
Residents of Detroit's east side report sewer-like odors from infrastructure work.| Planet Detroit
Blight Hernandez credits his grandmother for his artistry. “She gave me those taste buds for the regal, the antique, the vintage, almost like Detroit Renaissance,” he says.| Planet Detroit
Isabelle Tavares covers environmental and public health impacts in Southwest Detroit for Planet Detroit with Report for America. Working in text, film and audio, she is a Dominican-American storyteller who is concerned with identity, generational time, and ecology.| Planet Detroit
Amanda Sweet leads The ReVamp, a clothing swap collective that empowers communities by promoting sustainability and fostering connections, diverting textile waste and offering a creative space for social engagement.| Planet Detroit
James Griffioen uses upcycled leather from Detroit's Arts & Scraps to make journals he sells only in person.| Planet Detroit
Harry Jones, president of Detroit Community Sailing Center, works to make sailing accessible to Detroit's youth.| Planet Detroit
Detroit journalist Heidi Ausgood documents the city's history and works to bring change in her neighborhood.| Planet Detroit
In August, a federal judge ruled that DTE Energy can be held liable for Clean Air Act claims against its Zug Island subsidiary. A bench trial in the EPA lawsuit starts Monday.| Planet Detroit
The ReVamp is a clothing swap collective in Detroit focused on sustainable fashion and community building.| Planet Detroit
Wayne Disposal makes headlines for bringing in Manhattan Project nuclear waste, raising concerns about impacts to waterways and public health.| Planet Detroit
Michigan residents need to recognize the deadly risk posed by wildfire smoke and take measures to protect themselves and their communities.| Planet Detroit
Drought and "zombie fires" pose risks for the upcoming Canadian wildfire season and its impact on Michigan air quality.| Planet Detroit
Investor-owned utilities like DTE charge ratepayers $50 billion a year in return on equity to benefit shareholders, study says.| Planet Detroit
DTE Energy could find it easier to build new natural gas plants under the Trump administration, despite environmental impact.| Planet Detroit
The Trump administration's thousands of employee layoffs at federal health agencies potentially jeopardize energy assistance for over 400,000 Michiganders.| Planet Detroit
Michigan regulators set $10 million in incentives and penalties for DTE Energy and Consumer Energy to enhance power reliability.| Planet Detroit
DTE Energy plans to file another electric rate hike request, following a recent $217-million increase for metro Detroit energy customers.| Planet Detroit
Michigan regulators approve $217 million electric rate hike for DTE Energy, despite concerns over grid management and affordability.| Planet Detroit
As regulators review DTE Energy's $456.4 million rate hike request, businesses' comments appear to be written by the utility itself.| Planet Detroit
Detroit's air quality worsens due to climate change and Canadian wildfires, the American Lung Association reports.| Planet Detroit
Detroiters suffer during wildfire smoke events. Here are some of their stories.| Planet Detroit
In the wake of an EPA decision in May to ease air quality restrictions in metro Detroit, the region is experiencing its highest number of Ozone-related air quality notifications in a decade, as well as a new type of alert related to particulate matter.| Planet Detroit
A Planet Detroit Climate Guide | Wildfire smoke is likely to be part of a “new normal” for us in Michigan. Here’s your survival guide.| Planet Detroit
The MPSC's decisions on measuring clean energy costs under Michigan's new law will affect utility rates and the state's transition to renewable energy.| Planet Detroit
DTE Energy argues it shouldn't be liable for its Zug Island subsidiary's Clean Air Act violations.| Planet Detroit
Michigan extends air quality advisory through Tuesday due to Canadian wildfire smoke.| Planet Detroit
Advocates say plan to improve Michigan energy reliability with fines and incentives may not be enough to influence utilities.| Planet Detroit
Detroit groups use technology to track truck traffic's environmental impact, while Michigan hospitals face Medicaid funding risks and Line 5 tunnel project raises environmental concerns.| Planet Detroit
Michigan activists initiate ballot drive to restrict political donations from major companies including utilities DTE Energy and Consumers Energy.| Planet Detroit
Climate change is driving up the risk of extreme heat in Michigan. Pregnancy presents a special risk. Here's why.| Planet Detroit
Nina Misuraca Ignaczak is the founder, publisher and executive editor of Planet Detroit.| Planet Detroit
Brian Allnutt is a senior reporter for Planet Detroit. He covers the climate crisis, utilities, air quality, environmental justice and politics.| Planet Detroit
DTE Energy requests a $574 million rate hike, prompting criticism over affordability and reliability. The increase is intended for infrastructure upgrades and cleaner energy transition.| Planet Detroit
DTE Energy is disconnecting thousands of customers while increasing rates and expanding fossil fuel infrastructure, according to a new report.| Planet Detroit
High energy bills and power outages burden Detroiters, who voiced concerns outside a Michigan Public Service Commission town hall.| Planet Detroit
Smoke from Canadian wildfires prompts Michigan air quality alert, with PM2.5 levels potentially impacting sensitive individuals.| Planet Detroit
"We're looking at sort of a typical year,"says Canadian wildfire expert. This would mean 5 to 7 million acres burning.| Planet Detroit
Advocates warn of severe consequences for low-income households if the Trump administration succeeds in eliminating LIHEAP.| Planet Detroit
Willie Patmon is straight-up old school. The elderly farmer gets up at 6 a.m., puts on his best sun hat, and tends tirelessly to his crops until sundown.| Planet Detroit