As we dive into a new year, our January News to Us reflects on the environmental wins and challenges across Michigan and the Huron River in 2024. Check out stories from Michigan Advance, Michigan Public, WEMU, and Planet Detroit recapping statewide environmental happenings and highlights from 2024.
In 2024, Michigan made significant strides in transitioning to clean energy, including over $25 billion in clean energy and sustainability investments and 58 new clean energy projects. The state also faced environmental challenges, such as record low ice coverage on the Great Lakes due to warmer winters. Efforts to address pollution and health concerns continued, with various initiatives aimed at improving environmental quality. The year saw both progress and ongoing debates about the best path forward for Michigan’s environment.

Michigan’s annual State of the Great Lakes report highlights accomplishments and ongoing challenges in improving water quality. Key issues include nutrient pollution, invasive species, legacy contaminants, and climate change. The report also emphasizes the need for continued efforts to clean up toxic hotspots and improve water quality in streams, wetlands, and groundwater. Despite progress, significant work remains to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the Great Lakes.
Lame duck ends, environmental bills left in the dust
The Michigan Legislature failed to pass several key environmental and justice bills during the 2024 lame duck session. These bills, which addressed issues like septic codes, drinking water affordability, stormwater infrastructure, and pollution cleanup, were left unresolved. As a result, Michigan remains without a statewide septic code and continues to face challenges with contamination due to legacy pollution. The failure to pass these bills means they will need to be reintroduced in the next legislative session.
Frogs, fish, and turtles in Michigan have adapted to survive the harsh winter conditions. When ponds freeze over, the ice acts as an insulating layer, keeping the water just above freezing and allowing aquatic life to live beneath it. Fish reduce their activity and metabolic rates, while frogs and turtles enter a state of torpor, significantly slowing their bodily functions in a temporary hibernation. Some aquatic insects, or benthic macroinvertebrates, produce substances that act like antifreeze, preventing ice from forming in their tissues.
The Border-to-Border Trail saw significant expansion in 2024, enhancing biking and walking access across Washtenaw County. Key highlights include the completion of the Dexter-Huron Metropark’s Title IX Plaza and the Zeeb-Delhi Metropark Trail, connecting Dexter with Ann Arbor. Looking ahead to 2025, efforts will focus on the Dexter-Chelsea Corridor, with plans to connect downtown Dexter. The trail’s continued development is supported by a recently renewed August millage for road and non-motorized trails.
The Water Street Redevelopment Project in Ypsilanti is set to move forward thanks to several new state and federal grants. These funds, totaling over $11.3 million dollars, will be used to address environmental contamination and support redevelopment efforts. Work on the project, including the removal of contaminants like PCBs, is expected to begin in 2025.