DNR, DTE Energy agreement on nation’s carbon-credits project

DNR, DTE Energy agreement on nation’s carbon-credits project

by | Aug 25, 2021 | Environmental, Recreation
The deal will help DTE Energy reduce its carbon footprint and add an estimated $10 million in revenue to natural resource management.

 
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Green, gold and orange ground cover in the foreground, tall trees in the background, stretching to the skyAug. 25, 2021
Contact: Scott Whitcomb (DNR), 231-373-3007 or Anne Santori (DTE Energy),
313-235-5555

DNR, DTE Energy finalize agreement on nation’s first carbon-credits project on state forest land

Michigan’s 3.9 million acres of state forest land provide space for outdoor recreation, cleaner water, habitat for wildlife and many other benefits. Thanks to a recent agreement between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and DTE Energy, Michigan’s largest energy company, part of that forest land now will yield carbon credits that will help DTE reduce its carbon footprint and add an estimated $10 million in revenue to natural resource management.

The Bluesource/Michigan DNR Big Wild Forest Carbon Project is the first of its kind in the nation to leverage the carbon storage capacity of trees in state forests. The pilot project offers a portfolio of carbon offset credits generated from sustainable forest management activities on more than 100,000 acres of the celebrated Pigeon River Country State Forest – known as “The Big Wild” – in the northern Lower Peninsula.

“Our natural resources are a core aspect of our identity as Michiganders,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “To meet our long-term commitment to decarbonization we need to utilize innovative partnerships to increase revenues for land and climate programs. Under today’s program, we are pursuing a climate-smart forestry strategy and effectively utilizing our natural and working lands to decrease pollution and protect public lands.”

The pilot project

Stacked logs from an aspen harvest on Michigan state forest landA single tree can absorb as much as 48 pounds of carbon dioxide in a year. By the time a tree is 40 years old, it can store 1 ton of carbon. If these trees are then used to make long-lasting wood products, the carbon they absorbed from the atmosphere is captured or “stored” within the manufactured furniture, houses or countless other items.

One carbon credit equals 1 ton of carbon dioxide emission. Studies show carbon capture (sequestration) could contribute up to 30% of the global effort to reduce carbon in the atmosphere. DTE Energy will offer these offsets to their larger industrial natural gas clients seeking to reduce the impact of carbon emissions, much as they do for their residential and small business customers through DTE’s voluntary Natural Gas Balance program.

DTE Energy has agreed to buy all of the carbon credits generated off the Pigeon River Country State Forest during the first 10 years of the program, at an estimated cost of more than $10 million. Payments (to the state) will start with the first delivery of carbon credits to DTE in 2022. Bluesource, the company managing the DNR’s pilot carbon credit marketing project, will provide updates on the revenue stream’s timeline and size.

The purchase of carbon credits allows DTE to offer carbon offsets to customers with significantly higher energy usage, a move that also aligns with DTE’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“We’re proud to partner with the DNR on this innovative way to help Michigan get cleaner, faster,” said Matt Paul, president and chief operating officer at DTE Gas. “These offsets will be made available to our customers that are seeking impactful ways to reduce their carbon footprint and join DTE on its journey to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Pigeon River Country State Forest project is an excellent complement to the 24,000 acres of Michigan forest we are already protecting through Natural Gas Balance, our voluntary program that helps residential and small business gas customers reduce their carbon footprint.”

Support for forests, wildlife

face front view of mature bull elk, head and shoulders, in the forest, sunlight and shadows across his faceBeyond the air-quality benefits – Michigan’s forests can substantially reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that has been released to the environment, which cuts air pollution and helps mitigate the effects of climate change – the carbon-credits project will allow the DNR to credit crucial dollars to funding sources that support the Pigeon River Country State Forest.

Revenue generated from these carbon credit purchases will be directed to the state’s Forest Development Fund and the Fish and Game Fund for efforts that could include tree planting, forest infrastructure (such as roads, bridges and culverts), wildlife habitat improvements, recreation projects and more.

The environmental benefit of the project stems from the state’s ongoing commitment to sustainable forest management, while ensuring more trees will stay in place long term to enhance the carbon sequestration of the Pigeon River forest.

“We manage Michigan’s state forests with a firm commitment to the health and sustainability of this incredible resource, as well as to the people who enjoy the forests and the fish and wildlife that rely on them,” said Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Dan Eichinger. “We’re excited to see this thoughtfully leveraged use of our state’s diverse forest land result in a program that works on so many levels.”

Getting started

shoreline view from Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground, reflecting the surrounding trees and skyBluesource, the company selected last fall to manage the DNR’s carbon credits development and marketing program, is a Salt Lake City firm that has pioneered creative solutions to climate risk since 2001.

“Bluesource projects have reduced hundreds of millions of tons of greenhouse gases over our 20-year history, and we can’t scale without the climate finance provided by progressive companies like DTE,” said Bluesource Vice President of Environmental Markets Ben Massie. “Their long-term investment in credits from Michigan DNR’s Big Wild Forest Carbon Project gives DTE customers an impactful way to reduce their carbon footprint, while at the same time driving sustainable forest management and value within the state.

“I hope other states and public lands follow the DNR’s lead and recognize that a change to progressive forest management, with an eye to promoting carbon stocking, not only nets revenue but allows for continued recreation, boosts the local economy, conserves water resources, and provides continuing educational opportunities,” added Massie.

Learn more about how and why the DNR takes care of state forests at Michigan.gov/Forestry.

Organizational links:

  • The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. Online at Michigan.gov/DNR.
  • DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Online at DTEEnergy.com.
  • Bluesource is the most experienced and most diversified corporate climate and energy advisor providing innovative, trusted environmental services and products in North America. Online at Bluesource.com.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows. Credit all photos to Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

  • Elk: Michigan’s core elk range is an integral part of the Pigeon River Country State Forest.
  • Fall in the Pigeon River: Scenic views like this are available throughout the more than 100,000 acres of the Pigeon River Country State Forest.
  • Stacked aspen: Stacked logs from an aspen timber harvest on Michigan state forest land.
  • Timber sale: A Michigan DNR forester inspects the harvest of a timber sale, this one in the Upper Peninsula’s Delta County.
  • Rainbow: A beautiful sight in the sky over the Pigeon River Country State Forest.
  • Campground view: Lakeshore view from the Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground, one of the many camping opportunities in and around the Pigeon River.
Council on Climate Solutions to discuss equity

Council on Climate Solutions to discuss equity

by | Aug 20, 2021 | Environmental
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278

Council on Climate Solutions to meet, discuss equity and EJ issues August 24

The Council on Climate Solutions will discuss equity and environmental justice issues at its meeting next week as it works with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Office of Climate and Energy to develop an effective and equitable strategy to achieve economywide carbon neutrality by 2050 in Michigan.

  • When: 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, August 24.  A draft agenda is posted online.
  • How to join: Online meeting link and phone number are posted to Michigan.gov/Climate (after navigating to page, click on “More About the Council” button).
  • Of note: Individuals needing language assistance or accommodations for effective participation at the meeting should contact Kimber Frantz at [email protected] or 517-284-5035 prior to the event to request language, mobility, visual, hearing, translation and/or other assistance.
  • Background: Fourteen state residents appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and representatives of several state departments make up the Council, with EGLE Director Liesl Clark as chair. The Council will advise EGLE in forming the MI Healthy Climate Plan, the governor’s action plan to protect public health, create clean energy jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward statewide carbon neutrality.

Recordings of previous Council meetings and two public listening sessions can be accessed through Michigan.gov/Climate.

EGLE does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, national origin, color, marital status, disability, political beliefs, height, weight, genetic information or sexual orientation in the administration of any of its programs or activities, and prohibits intimidation and retaliation, as required by applicable laws and regulations.

Sign up to receive updates about EGLE’s climate and Catalyst Communities initiatives at Michigan.gov/EGLEConnect
Council on Climate Solutions to discuss equity

Wastewater operators can cut energy use through SWIFt

by | Aug 10, 2021 | Environmental
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Wastewater operators can cut energy use, costs through SWIFt program partnership

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will partner with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to work with wastewater facilities to implement energy-saving practices as part of the Better Buildings Sustainable Wastewater Infrastructure of the Future (SWIFt) Initiative.

Municipal wastewater treatment systems in the United States are typically the largest energy users in a community, according to DOE, and facilities that participated in SWIFt’s first phase reduced their total energy consumption by almost 8 percent in three years. The program worked with more than 70 wastewater facilities across the country to incorporate energy management and sustainability practices as well as develop a training toolkit.

Under SWIFt Phase 2, EGLE will provide technical assistance to interested municipal facilities to put into practice the resources found in the SWIFt Toolkit or participate in the SWIFt Energy Recovery Accelerator. Facility operators participating in SWIFt Phase 2 can also leverage DOE expertise to identify opportunities to achieve targeted short-term energy savings of 5 percent and long-term savings of 25 percent.

EGLE will assist participating facility operators in developing an infrastructure improvement plan that includes best-practice energy performance tracking, a package of technologies with a focus on resource recovery and a concrete financing model.

There is no cost to sign up for SWIFt Phase 2. Contact engineer Jake Wilkinson in EGLE’s Energy Services section at [email protected] or 517-290-7995 for more information.

Facility staff who participate in the training are eligible for continuing education credits.

Details about DOE’s SWIFt program can be found at betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov.
Not MI Species webinars offer help for backyard

Not MI Species webinars offer help for backyard

by | Jul 22, 2021 | Environmental
Contact: Joanne Foreman, 517-284-5814

Not MI Species webinars offer help for backyard invasive species problems and more

Register now for upcoming sessions

New sessions in the NotMISpecies webinar series will offer an abundance of information, resources and field experiences to help identify and manage invasive species in Michigan.

NotMISpecies webinar bannerSupported by Michigan’s Invasive Species Program, the regular, hourlong webinars are designed to keep participants informed of available 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.

To register for these upcoming events, click on the title of each session below to go to the registration page.

Tuesday, July 27, at 9 a.m., “Hey, what’s that in my backyard?” offers an introduction to Michigan’s 22 cooperative invasive species management areas and how they can help with problem plants, insects and diseases affecting your landscape. Nick Cassel and Fallon Chabala, representatives of the Michigan Invasive Species Coalition, will explain how CISMAs work and the benefits of partnering with your local CISMA on invasive species issues.

Two workers with backpack sprayers enter a dense patch of phragmites“Fowl play” (9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15) explores the work of protecting Michigan’s managed waterfowl hunt areas from the threat of invasive species. DNR wildlife biologists Jeremiah Heise from Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area and Zach Cooley from Pointe Mouillee State Game Area share their experiences and techniques for managing and restoring Michigan’s Wetland Wonders to provide prime habitat for waterfowl viewing and hunting.

Thursday, Oct. 21, at 9 a.m., “Just do it!” offers an invitation to learn about invasive species management by volunteering for a state park stewardship workday. DNR natural resource stewards Kelsey Dillon and Emily Leslie will share information about the program and its focus on special habitat areas in need of protection. Learn how you can get involved in preserving your favorite places for future generations.

If you are new to the series, it’s easy to catch up on topics including collaborative efforts in invasive carp management, early detection and response for aquatic invasive species, and the threat posed by spotted lanternfly. Recorded versions of all previous NotMISpecies webinars are available at Michigan.gov/EGLEEvents under “Featured Webinar Series.”

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.

RIT opens for recycling and technology ideas

by | Jul 19, 2021 | Environmental

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2021
Jill A. Greenberg, EGLE spokesperson, [email protected], 517-897-4965

RIT Innovation Track opens for recycling innovation and technology ideas

EGLE initiative offers business planning support, resources, potential funding opportunities for recycling innovation and technology projects that demonstrate impact in Michigan

NextCycle Michigan’s Recycling Innovation and Technology (RIT) Innovation Challenge Track is now accepting applications through Aug. 11. The program seeks novel material recovery or sorting technologies, recycled content products, waste minimization techniques, new uses for recycled or organic materials, or other innovations to improve sustainable materials management in Michigan.

NextCycle Michigan, an initiative from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, leverages public and private sector assistance along with investment across six Innovation Challenge Tracks to accelerate Michigan’s recycling and waste recovery system. Boosting recycling and developing innovative solutions to waste management can reduce greenhouse gases and help Michigan on its path to carbon neutrality by 2050.

Teams accepted into the RIT Track will receive:

  • Individualized project plan development and support
  • Access to business, industry, and investment experts
  • Direct consulting support
  • Matchmaking with partners and funders
  • Workshops and networking events
  • Private and public funding opportunities

The RIT Track is open to businesses, entrepreneurs, universities, public agencies, tribal communities and non-profits who have investable project ideas with the potential to transform Michigan’s recycling economy. Teams must have a tested technology or idea, but the teams do not need to have proven market validation at the time of entry. Preference will be provided to teams showing the potential for growth, scalability and commercialization. Out-of-state teams are eligible; however, the project must address materials in Michigan and ultimately be located in the state.

“To move Michigan from the linear use and dispose model and toward a true circular economy will require innovation,” said Matt Flechter, recycling market development specialist for EGLE. “The RIT Track will help foster entrepreneurs, start-ups and organizations to advance their ideas on recovery, reuse, diversion, processing and product design.”

NextCycle Michigan aims to be inclusive in its engagement and will employ a lens that values and prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion. Minority and women-owned businesses are encouraged to apply.

An application packet containing information on the RIT Track, eligibility criteria, application process and cycle deadlines is available at NextCycle Michigan.
Gov. Whitmer proclaims July Lakes Appreciation Month

Gov. Whitmer proclaims July Lakes Appreciation Month

by | Jul 6, 2021 | Environmental

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 6, 2021
Nick Assendelft, Public Information Officer, [email protected], 517-388-3135

Gov. Whitmer proclaims July Lakes Appreciation Month

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has designated July as Lakes Appreciation Month, highlighting a resource that fuels Michigan’s economy, is the source of drinking water for millions, draws tourists from around the world and offers countless opportunities for recreation.

“Michiganders are blessed with an abundance of natural water resources, namely our awesome Great Lakes and over 11,000 inland lakes. We have a duty to protect and preserve these precious resources as well as our wetlands, rivers and groundwater for future generations,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Ending sewer overflows, fixing failing septic systems, cleaning up contaminated sites and planning for the effects of climate change are critical to a clean and healthy future for our lakes. We must work together to protect our treasured water resources and do everything we can to ensure they are here for Michiganders to enjoy centuries from now, just as we enjoy them today.”

While there are many challenges facing Michigan’s lakes and connected waterways, aging infrastructure and the effects of climate change are two highly important issues that require increased awareness during Lakes Appreciation Month and the months to come.

The Governor’s MI Healthy Climate Plan creates a roadmap to a carbon neutral economy by 2050 that will also protect the state’s natural resources, including lakes. The Governor’s MI Clean Water Plan is a $500 million investment in infrastructure from source to tap that will make for cleaner, more affordable water. Nearly $3 million under the plan will help communities develop, update and improve their wastewater and stormwater plans, keeping pollutants out of Michigan’s lakes and rivers.

Protecting water resources is part of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) mission and the department is leading the development and implementation of the MI Healthy Climate Plan and the MI Clean Water Plan.

EGLE’s Water Resources Division protects and monitors Michigan’s waters by establishing water quality standards, assessing the health of aquatic communities, encouraging natural shoreline practices, regulating wastewater discharges and overseeing aquatic invasive species concerns and water withdrawals. EGLE’s Office of the Great Lakes oversees Great Lakes water policy and strategy implementation as well as representing the state at national forums regarding the Great Lakes.

To learn more about Michigan’s lakes or how to help keep them healthy, consult these resources: