Environmental summit puts students in the spotlight

Environmental summit puts students in the spotlight

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MEDIA ADVISORY 
May 14, 2025
Jeff Johnston, EGLE Public Information Officer, [email protected], 517-231-9304

Environmental summit puts Michigan middle- and
high-schoolers in the spotlight

Media invited to May 20 event that also recognizes Michigan Green Schools, Green Ribbon Schools, Environmental Service Awards

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is inviting news media to cover the 2025 Michigan Student Sustainability Summit. The one-day educational experience in East Lansing May 20 will bring together middle school and high school student leaders from across Michigan. More than 300 students and teachers have registered. (A list of more than 30 participating schools, districts, and organizations is available through the media contact listed above).

Students will learn about Michigan environmental sustainability efforts; discover environmental career pathways; network with peers, state leaders, and community partners; and celebrate the impact of youth-led stewardship projects. The day will include interactive breakout sessions, field experiences, exhibits, and projects. The agenda is online.

The summit also will recognize EGLE’s 2025 Environmental Service Award winners, certified Michigan Green Schools, and the inaugural Michigan Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools.

Reporters may have limited opportunities to talk about the summit with EGLE Director Phil Roos around the lunch hour and EGLE Environmental Education Manager Eileen Boekestein throughout the day.

  • WHAT: 2025 Michigan Student Sustainability Summit
  • WHERE: Michigan State University’s Minskoff Pavilion, North Shaw Lane, East Lansing
  • WHEN: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, 2025. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. is recommended for media visits. The recognition program for Michigan Green Schools and Environmental Service Award winners is between 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.
  • HOW: Media should check in at the registration tent at the Pavilion upon arrival.

Director Roos will present the Environmental Service Awards, which recognize outstanding projects completed from February 2024-February 2025 by students, groups, or classes in grades 6-8 and 9-12. Eligible projects show results and benefits for Michigan’s environment, such as protecting the Great Lakes, restoring ecosystems, improving air or water quality, or conserving energy and resources.

This year’s grade 6-8 winner is Grand Rapids Montessori Academy’s E2 class for its “Lifelong Stewardship of the Great Lakes” project.

The grade 9-12 winner is Buchanan High School’s Environmental Science classes for their “Restored Prairie Habitat: Creating a Lifelong Environmental Impact” project.

EGLE Michigan Green Schools Coordinator Samantha Lichtenwald will recognize attendees from schools that are among the state’s more than 350 certified Green Schools, along with the Green Ribbon honorees. The new Michigan Green Ribbon Schools program recognizes whole-school sustainability efforts such as cost savings, health promotion, and performance improvements.

Michigan Green Schools recognizes pre-K through 12th grade schools protecting the state’s air, land, water, and ecosystems through activities promoting environmental education and stewardship. Based on the number of activities completed, schools achieve a status of Green (10-14 activities), Emerald (15-19), or Evergreen (20 or more).

This is EGLE’s second year presenting a youth summit. This year’s organizing partners are the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentGrow the Earth, and the MSU Science Festival.

MDARD’s Summer Gasoline Program Returns

MDARD’s Summer Gasoline Program Returns

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For immediate release: May 12, 2025

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

More than a Fueling: MDARD’s Summer Gasoline Program Returns to Southeast Michigan June 1

Program Curbs Smog and Helps Michiganders Breathe Easy

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is gearing up to cut emissions and keep our skies smog-free through the annual summer gasoline program. From June 1 to September 15, MDARD will require suppliers and retailers in eight southeast Michigan counties to sell or dispense gasoline with a Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) no greater than 7.0 pounds per square inch (psi).

“MDARD’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our fellow Michiganders begins with protecting the health of our soil, water and air,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “The summer gasoline program is one of MDARD’s many contributions to Governor Whitmer’s Healthy Climate Plan, which takes bold action to protect Michiganders and the natural resources we cherish.”

MDARD first introduced the summer gasoline program in Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties in 1996 after ozone measurements in those counties exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Under the program, MDARD inspectors conduct on-site testing and collect samples for laboratory analysis. Enforcing the low-RVP requirement improves air quality, protects public health and ensures that Michigan continues to receive federal highway funding.

“Summer formula gasoline increases fuel efficiency and helps prevent the release of smog-causing compounds into the atmosphere,” said Craig VanBuren, Director of MDARD’s Laboratory and Consumer Protection Bureau. “By enforcing a maximum RVP of 7.0 psi for gasoline during the summer months, MDARD protects Michigan’s air quality and helps our fellow Michiganders breathe a little easier.”

RVP is a measure of gasoline volatility. The greater the volatility, the more gasoline evaporates into the air. During the summer, elevated air temperatures can cause high-RVP gasoline to evaporate into the air at harmful rates. These gasoline vapors contribute to ozone build-up at the ground level.

Ozone is a key component of smog, an often brown or yellow haze produced by vehicle emissions, industrial activities and other sources. Smog can trigger asthma attacks, exacerbate lung disease and increase the likelihood of respiratory infections. Even healthy people may experience eye irritation, sore throats, coughing and shortness of breath when smog levels are high.

Michigan’s Motor Fuel Quality Act, Public Act 44 of 1984, charges MDARD with enforcing ozone protection measures and ensuring the quality of the gasoline dispensed throughout the state. Anyone who suspects problems at the pump should call MDARD’s 24-hour hotline for reporting complaints, 1-800-MDA-FUEL (1-800-632-3835).

Learn how MDARD helps ensure you pay a fair price at the gas pump.

Read about MDARD’s Weights and Measures Program

News Release: Preventing the spread of invasive species

News Release: Preventing the spread of invasive species

 
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News Release

May 1, 2025
Contact: Justin Bopp, 517-420-9110 or Joanne Foreman, 517-284-5814

Preserve Michigan’s fishing tradition by preventing the spread of invasive species

Fishing is a cherished pastime for many Michiganders. Bringing along family, friends and young people helps preserve the tradition, but to keep our waters healthy and thriving for the next generation, be sure you aren’t also bringing invasive species to your favorite fishing spots.

Two women and a man in a small boat fishing on the Manistee River.Invasive species are those that are not native and whose introduction causes harm, or is likely to cause harm, to Michigan’s economy, environment or human health. Most often, invasive species are unintentionally introduced to new places when they become attached to the boats, waders and gear anglers bring on fishing trips.

Michigan’s waters are seeing increased effects from invasive aquatic plants like starry stonewort and European frog-bit, which can choke out habitat and limit fishing access. When these plants get caught on motors, trailers, nets and lines, they can be carried to the next fishing spot. Many aquatic invasive plants can sprout from plant fragments, seeds or tiny buds called turions that can go unnoticed without careful inspection.

Invasive mussels, snails and fish are altering natural food webs in lakes, rivers and streams.

“Zebra mussel larvae, New Zealand mudsnails and didymo cells are hard to see, but they can attach to things like boats, waders and gear,” said Justin Bopp, aquatic invasive species coordinator with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “If surfaces are damp, they can survive for several days or even a week. In the same way, water left in bilges, ballast tanks and live wells can carry these tiny organisms and even fish diseases to new locations.”

By planning ahead, following regulations and taking preventive measures before leaving each fishing spot, you can make sure these unwanted hitchhikers don’t travel with you.

Catch and release

When practicing catch-and-release fishing, Michigan law requires anglers to release fish into the waters where they were caught or into connecting waters the fish could have reached on their own.

“Keeping fish in their home waters prevents the spread of fish diseases like heterosporis, a parasite of yellow perch, and viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus, or VHSv, which is highly contagious and can kill trout, perch and other fish species,” said Bopp.

Bait and baitfish

Bait and baitfish should never be released or dumped into the water. Follow state laws when fishing with live bait by disposing of any leftovers on land or in the trash. When catching fish for bait, use them only in the waters where they were originally collected or in a connecting body of water the fish could have reached on their own.

Trout fishing

Didymo (rock snot) and invasive New Zealand mudsnails thrive in cool, clean streams and rivers – extra measures are needed to prevent the spread of these harmful species.

A woman in waders near a truck bed lifts her foot so another woman can help her clean the waders using a pump sprayer.In addition to removing debris and mud, the State of Michigan recommends using a chemical disinfectant on waders and gear before heading to a new location. Disinfectants with documented effectiveness for these species include:

  • Products such as Formula 409 Antibacterial All-Purpose Cleaner applied to waders and gear.
  • Bleach: Apply a solution of one-half cup (4 fluid ounces) bleach to 5 gallons of water and rinse with clean water after 20 minutes.
  • Virkon Aquatic: Apply a solution of 20 grams per liter of water and rinse with clean water after 20 minutes (see manufacturer’s label for additional guidance).

Any chemical disinfectants should be applied to waders and gear on land, at a reasonable distance from the water, to avoid accidental discharge into surface waters.

For more information on effective decontamination practices for trout fishing, watch this new video from Oakland University and Trout Unlimited.

Bringing a boat

When a watercraft is part of your fishing routine, remember to “Clean, Drain and Dry” boats, trailers and all equipment and gear after each use on any lake, river or stream. State law requires:

  • Making sure watercraft and trailers are free of all aquatic organisms and plants before transporting or launching.
  • Removing drain plugs and draining all water from bilges, ballast tanks and live wells before transporting watercraft over land.

Drying boats, trailers and gear is an important step to ensure live organisms, like hard-to-see zebra mussel larvae, plant fragments and didymo cells, don’t travel to the next fishing spot. Between sites, do one of the following:

  • When possible, dry boats, trailers and gear in the sun for five to seven days.
  • Wash boats and trailers with a pressure washer.
  • Apply a chemical disinfectant like those listed above.
  • Dry surfaces with a towel.

Preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species is the responsibility of everyone who uses Michigan’s valuable fresh-water resources. For more information on invasive species and prevention methods, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.

An illustration of a boat on a trailer with labels indicating areas to look for and remove aquatic plants and debris.


Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources.


Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

  • Manistee: As the 2025 fishing season gets underway, remember to do your part to prevent the spread of invasive species.
  • Wader wash: Cleaning waders and gear with a chemical solution before moving to the next location can prevent didymo and New Zealand mudsnails from traveling with you.
  • Zebra zapper: Check for and remove debris and plant fragments from boats and trailers and empty all water before transporting a boat on the road.
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Home Energy Rebates Program to help families save

Home Energy Rebates Program to help families save

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2025
Jeff Johnston, EGLE Public Information Officer, [email protected], 517-231-9304

Governor Whitmer announces statewide Michigan Home Energy Rebates Program to help families save thousands on energy costs

Up to 15,000 Michiganders could lower home energy costs under rebate program

DETROIT — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the statewide launch of the Michigan Home Energy Rebates Program (MiHER), a program that will help households across the state save thousands of dollars on energy expenses through home energy improvements and new, efficient appliances.

The program, administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), can make a big difference in lowering costs for families, as 86% of the energy used in a home comes from heating and cooling spaces, boiling water, cooking, and refrigeration.

“With the statewide launch of the MiHER program, we’re helping Michigan families save money while upgrading their homes to make them more efficient and cut energy costs,” Governor Whitmer said. “Michigan families should not have to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table. These upgrades aren’t just about savings – they’re about comfort and quality of life. Through these programs, households can qualify for up to $34,000 in rebates, helping to make critical home improvements more affordable.”

Up to 15,000 households across the state will benefit from the statewide rollout of MiHER. These rebate options support energy efficiency and electrification upgrades for single and multifamily homes. While all Michigan households – homeowners or renters – can pursue energy efficiency upgrades, MiHER will prioritize households with incomes at or below 80% of their county’s Area Median Income (AMI). Across the two programs, households are eligible for up to $34,000 in rebates.

MiHER includes two programs:

  • Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) will provide funding to lower the up-front cost of whole-home energy efficiency upgrades, including insulation, air sealing, and heating and cooling. HER covers rebates for energy efficiency upgrades that save 15%-20% of the home’s energy use. Households are eligible for up to $20,000.
  • Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) will help reduce the up-front cost of efficient electric technologies, with rebates for high-efficiency home appliances and equipment. Among the maximum rebates available are $840 for an electric stove or dryer; $1,750 for a heat pump water heater; $1,600 for insulation, air sealing and ventilation; $2,500 for electric wiring upgrades; and $8,000 for a heat pump for heating or cooling. Households are eligible for up to $14,000.

Michigan renters and homeowners interested in the programs can learn more at Michigan.gov/HomeEnergyRebates and can submit a MiHER application. Once the application is approved, households will be directed to select an approved MiHER contractor to conduct a home assessment. Eligible rebate work will be completed by MiHER contractors. Once the project is complete, the rebate payment will go directly to the MiHER contractor. For low-income households, 100% of the work is covered.

“Every Michigander deserves a comfortable, affordable, and energy-efficient home,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “We’re grateful for Governor Whitmer’s leadership and the continued support of our Legislature for policies that prioritize clean energy, economic equity, and affordability. By improving home efficiency and accelerating cleaner technology, we’re advancing Michigan’s sustainable and resilient future, all while aligning with EGLE’s mission to protect and enhance the places where we live, work, and play – today and for future generations.”

In addition to saving families thousands of dollars, MiHER is helping to create and sustain good-paying jobs in construction, HVAC, energy efficiency and appliance installation—boosting our workforce and supporting local communities. Contractors are an integral part of the success of MiHER by enrolling families, assessing homes, conducting energy upgrades and capturing energy savings. Contractors are also eligible to receive bonuses for qualified projects in eligible communities. Contractors are encouraged to sign up to become a MiHER contractor.

Michigan received $211 million for MiHER through the federal Inflation Reduction Act, which authorized the U.S. Department of Energy to establish Home Energy Rebates nationally, saving households up to $1 billion annually on energy bills and supporting more than 50,000 U.S. jobs.

In November, Michigan launched its program on a pilot basis in Marquette County and Holland, in collaboration with the Upper Peninsula Power Company, SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company, and the Holland Board of Public Works. This initial phase helped refine the program, making Michigan the first state in the Midwest to implement both components of the federal Home Energy Rebates program.

Among the beneficiaries of the pilot program was Upper Peninsula resident Laura Maze, who received home weatherproofing and electrical upgrades.

“There are no words to express my gratitude for thinking of me and my house for the pilot project,” Maze said. “My house is warmer, I don’t feel drafts, the floors are warmer, and I don’t hear a lot of road noise. I am just amazed.”

For more information on the MiHER program, visit Michigan.gov/homeenergyrebates or contact the CLEAResult Call Center at 855-510-7080.

Environmental summit puts students in the spotlight

MI Healthy Climate Challenge to award millions in grants

 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
April 22, 2025
Jeff Johnston, EGLE Public Information Officer, [email protected], 517-231-9304

Lt. Governor Gilchrist announces launch of MI Healthy Climate Challenge to award millions in grants

Program will support state climate goals, lower barriers to clean energy across Michigan

DETROIT – Today, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II announced the launch of the MI Healthy Climate Challenge (the Challenge), which will award millions of dollars in grants to projects that will help Michigan meet Mi Healthy Climate Plan goals.

The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Office of Climate and Energy’s (OCE) grant program will include multiple grant competitions through 2026 that aim to expand equitable access to solar energy, grow green lending capacity, and increase access to clean energy funding across the state.

“The MI Healthy Climate Challenge is a major step forward in reinforcing Michigan’s role as a national leader in climate action,” Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist said. “We’re committed to making sure investments in clean energy and climate solutions reach communities across Michigan by empowering people with the resources they need to build a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable future for our state.”

The State of Michigan’s MI Healthy Climate Plan maps out a strategy to achieve 100% carbon neutrality by 2050, with a 52% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from a 2005 baseline by 2030. The Challenge aims to fund projects that will empower communities to access public and private climate funding opportunities to implement real projects that will help the state reach these goals and ensure a cleaner, healthier Michigan for generations to come.

“Governor Gretchen Whitmer has laid out a bold climate vision for Michigan, and the MI Healthy Climate Challenge will play a key role in turning that vision into real, on-the-ground progress,” said Cory Connolly, chief climate officer for EGLE’s Office of Climate and Energy. “The Challenge helps communities across Michigan tap into the growing landscape of public and private funding opportunities and expand access to clean energy.”

The first competition in the series, Solar for Savings, offers $8.875 million in grants for residential and community solar pilot projects, as well as upgrades to equipment and energy storage. These pilots will reduce energy costs, improve resiliency, and lay the groundwork for the broader MI Solar for All program – a $156 million federally funded initiative to bring solar energy to low-income households and communities statewide.

“This is an important milestone in our work to ensure all Michigan families – regardless of income – can access the benefits of clean, affordable energy,” said Dr. Joy Wang, director of the MI Solar for All program. “These pilot projects will serve as a foundation for a larger, inclusive program shaped by the people it’s meant to serve.”

The Solar for Savings challenge is just the beginning. The broader MI Healthy Climate Challenge will offer multiple funding opportunities to help build momentum around clean energy initiatives statewide.

Future competitions will focus on expanding access to green lending, helping communities and partners leverage federal tax credits, and unlocking large-scale climate financing for high-impact climate projects.  While eligibility will vary by competition, the Challenge is designed to include a wide range of public and private participants – including local governments, community lenders, schools, faith organizations, nonprofits, and solar providers.

Solar for Savings applications are now open and will be accepted until 5 p.m. July 30, 2025. To learn more and apply, visit Michigan.gov/MHCChallenge.

To stay informed about future competitions launching throughout 2025, sign up for the MI Healthy Climate Bulletin.

Save the dates for upcoming NotMISpecies webinars

Save the dates for upcoming NotMISpecies webinars

 
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News Release

April 16, 2025
Contact: Joanne Foreman, 517-284-5814

Lurking invasives, a big dig and a little irony: Save the dates for these upcoming NotMISpecies webinars

Plans for the April 30 NotMISpecies webinar on tree health and climate change have hit a snag – actually, thousands of snags. The session’s presenters are among the many Michigan Department of Natural Resources staff members working to clear tree debris and assess forest damage following the devastating, unseasonal ice storm in northern Michigan. The session has been rescheduled for Aug. 27. All registrations for April have been transferred to the new date.

The monthly, hourlong webinar series will be back on track in May, providing information on invasive species programs, current research and emerging issues in the state and the Great Lakes region. Question and answer sessions and links to resources help attendees get the most out of each presentation.

Aquatic detectives

A woman bends over the side of a pontoon boat to hold a rake head full of aquatic plants pulled from the water.Often, invasive aquatic plants exist unseen, lurking and spreading below the waterline until they’ve grown into a major problem. Fortunately, a trained eye can find these invaders before they wreak havoc. That’s where the MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program’s Exotic Aquatic Plant Watch comes in! Join Erick Elgin and Jo Latimore from Michigan State University Extension for “What Lies Beneath: Detecting Invasive Plants in Michigan Lakes” (9 a.m. Wednesday, May 28). The duo will reveal the training and tools available to help volunteers detect and track these underwater invaders. Hear firsthand from dedicated volunteers who have made surprising discoveries in the lakes they cherish. Whether you’re a seasoned lake steward or just getting started, this webinar will inspire you to take a closer look beneath the surface!

Can you dig it?

Hydrilla is known as one of the most difficult aquatic invasive plants to control. When it was found for the first time in Michigan in September 2023, the Michigan Invasive Species Program chose to take decisive action to eradicate it. Join project lead Billy Keiper of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Water Resources Division for “Digging in: Michigan’s Unconventional Response to Hydrilla” (9 a.m. Wednesday, June 25). Keiper will walk through the response effort from detection to the recent excavation of two private ponds. Learn about the why and how behind this extraordinary effort and the deliberation, planning and cooperation that made it possible.

Hitting the spot

An adult spotted lanternfly rests on the trunk of a tree of heaven.Invasive spotted lanternfly, first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, is now present in at least 18 eastern U.S. states. In Michigan, localized spotted lanternfly infestations in four southeastern counties are expected to build and spread, especially in areas where invasive tree of heaven, the insect’s preferred host, occurs. In “Spotting the Spotted Lanternfly: What to Know and What You Can Do” (9 a.m. Tuesday, July 29), Deborah McCullough, professor of forest entomology at Michigan State University, will cover spotted lanternfly’s life stages, tree of heaven identification and spotted lanternfly’s impacts on trees and people. Options for managing spotted lanternfly, if or when it arrives in your neighborhood, will be included.

Trees at risk

(Rescheduled from April 30)

Invasive insects and diseases, including hemlock woolly adelgid, beech bark disease and beech leaf disease, are taking a toll on Michigan’s forests. As if this weren’t enough, the changing climate is further stressing trees and may lead to greater impacts by both invasive and native insects and diseases. Join forest entomologist Erin Biggs and forest pathologist Simeon Wright of the DNR for “They’ll Need that Hug: How Climate Change is Increasing Native and Invasive Threats to Michigan’s Trees” (9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27). The duo will explain emerging issues, how they are being addressed, and which may have the biggest effect on Michigan’s forests and urban landscapes.

Recorded versions of all previous webinars are available on the NotMISpecies webpage.

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program, a collaborative effort of the departments of Natural Resources; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Agriculture and Rural Development, coordinates and supports invasive species initiatives across the state and provides support through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.


Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

Rake toss: Michigan State University Extension’s Jo Latimore brings in a rake full of aquatic plants for analysis.

Spotted lanternfly: An adult invasive spotted lanternfly rests on the trunk of an invasive tree of heaven, its favorite host plant.

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