Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

The "no-rake" movement is gaining traction, encouraging us to let autumn leaves decompose naturally in our yard. This practice not only enriches the soil but also supports vital habitats for wildlife, including important pollinators like bumblebee queens and butterflies. As highlighted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, fallen leaves create a mini-ecosystem that benefits various species, including chipmunks, toads, and beneficial insects. Raking disrupts these life cycles and removes essential habitats. #MiEnvironment

NextCycle Michigan awarded nearly $100,000 to innovative projects focused on diverting materials from landfills. This funding will support initiatives that advance our state’s circular economy and promote sustainable practices. Join us! - Applications for the next NextCycle Michigan Accelerator cohort are open until November 15. We’re seeking projects focused on organic material recovery and innovative recycling technologies. #MIHealthyClimate #NextCycleMichigan

In a clean competition, Michigan is winning: The state is near the top of the pack nationwide for creating clean energy jobs. A recent study – the 2024 Clean Jobs America Report from E2 – ranked Michigan No. 6 in the nation for adding such jobs, based on an analysis of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s 2024 Energy and Employment Report (USEER). E2 is a nationwide nonpartisan group of business leaders, investors, and professionals advocating for smart policies that support the economy and environment. According to the report, Michigan is home to 127,690 clean energy jobs, outpacing 44 states’ job numbers. #MiEnvironment #CareersInEnergyWeek #MIHealthyClimate Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO)

EGLE's Air Quality team is utilizing new tools to effectively identify and minimize pollutants, ensuring cleaner air for our communities while combating climate change. These new technologies enable us to detect methane leaks and sample harmful gases at landfills and oil and gas facilities, fostering better compliance with air quality regulations and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. #MIEnvironment #TeamEGLE

Help keep Michigan communities safe and healthy by disposing of unneeded medications in your home. Simply bring them to one of the many drop-off locations throughout Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 26 – National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. #MIEnvironment #TakeBackDay

We're hiring! - Join our team as an Environmental Manager for our Permitting and Program Support Unit. This position will supervise a team and direct efforts to manage hazardous waste, RCRA programs, and ensure facilities are in compliance with environmental regulations. If you're passionate about protecting our resources and leading a team in providing excellent customer service, this role would be a great fit for you. Apply: https://lnkd.in/gxPiubbF To view all our current job openings and to learn more about a careers at EGLE, visit https://lnkd.in/gjWCcMcG. #MIGovJobs #TeamEGLE

EGLE Director Phil Roos and staff recently met with Tribal Nations, toured the Soo Locks construction project, and visited a redevelopment project in the Upper Peninsula. Last week, Roos participated in the Governor’s Tribal-State Summit in Marquette, hosted by the KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY. This annual summit provides an important opportunity for the Governor and leaders from Michigan's 12 federally recognized Tribal governments to engage in meaningful discussions about key environmental and community issues. “It was an honor to join Governor Whitmer and tribal leaders in celebrating our veterans and discussing critical issues facing our communities,” said Roos. While in the U.P., Roos also had the opportunity to: - Tour the impressive construction of a third lock at the Soo Locks with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. - Visit the Vault Marquette redevelopment project, which is transforming a historical site with the help of an EGLE brownfield redevelopment grant. - Meet with EGLE staff in the Marquette District Office to review ongoing local projects. These engagements are vital for strengthening partnerships and advancing our commitment to sustainable development in Michigan. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gweniZgF #MIEnvironment

Registration is now open for the 2024 Virtual Great Lakes PFAS Summit, taking place December 3-5! Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) continue to present some of the biggest challenges in chemical contamination across the world. States throughout the nation, including the Great Lakes region, are finding PFAS contamination in a growing number of locations where these persistent chemicals pose a threat to human health and the environment. The Great Lakes PFAS Summit will bring together thousands of participants from the Great Lakes region to share new methods of addressing this contamination and present innovative technical solutions developed to address these “forever” chemicals. Participants will include local, state, and federal government officials; environmental consultants and vendors; academic researchers and students; industry managing PFAS contamination; and community organizations. Sessions will focus on Human and Ecological Impacts, Regulation, Fate and Transport, and Treatment Technology. The Summit will be held virtually through a combination of Zoom and the event app, Whova. All registrants will have the ability to network, chat with peers, visit with exhibitors, and contact speakers. Check out the preliminary agenda and register: https://lnkd.in/gFMTP2Jz #GLPFASSummit

EGLE joined the City of South Haven and the South Haven Area Water-Sewer Authority (SHAWSA) to celebrate a groundbreaking milestone—over $42 million invested in transforming our wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. The event also kicked off  construction on a new elevated water storage tank. These improvements reflect EGLE’s ongoing commitment to enhancing water infrastructure through collaborative partnerships among federal, state, and local agencies. Key highlights include: - New elevated water storage tank to replace a 100-year-old standpipe. - Major upgrades at the wastewater treatment plant funded by a $5.8 million loan and a $3.6 million grant. - Lead service line replacements funded through a $11.7 million loan and $9.2 million in grants. These transformative projects will remove approximately 2,100 lead service lines, improve public health, and protect the water quality of the Black River and Lake Michigan. Thanks to collaborative efforts among federal, state, and local partners, these initiatives will significantly benefit the South Haven community for years to come. #MiEnvironment #Infrastructure #MICleanWater

EGLE is proud to partner with the City of Detroit and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop an Environmentally Beneficial Projects (EBP) list. This initiative invites community members to share their ideas for projects that can reduce pollution and enhance our environment. We believe that community input is crucial for shaping a sustainable future. The EBP list will serve as a valuable resource for future funding opportunities, and while not all ideas will be implemented, they can inspire further community engagement and project development. So far, we've received 18 project ideas across five city districts, covering topics like tree planting, air filtration, hazardous waste pick-up, and more. Learn more: tinyurl.com/yc49p4b8 Interested in contributing? Submit your project ideas through the EBP Submittal Page: https://lnkd.in/ggQxEJ9x or send an email EA@detroitmi.gov or call 313-350-1384. There’s no deadline—let’s work together to create a cleaner, healthier Detroit! #MiEnvironment