Reports

Report | Environment Michigan Research and Policy Center

Wasting Our Waterways: Toxic Industrial Pollution and the Unfulfilled Promise of the Clean Water Act

Industrial facilities continue to dump millions of pounds of toxic chemicals into America’s rivers, streams, lakes and ocean waters each year — threatening both the environment and human health. According to the EPA, pollution from industrial facilities is responsible for threatening or fouling water quality in more than 10,000 miles of rivers and more than 200,000 acres of lakes, ponds and estuaries nationwide.

Report | Environment Michigan Research and Policy Center

Getting on Track: Record Transit Ridership Increases Energy Independence

Transportation is responsible for more than two-thirds of our nation’s oil consumption and nearly a third of our carbon dioxide emissions. To make us more energy independent and reduce pol- lution, we need to build a transportation system that uses less oil, takes advantage of alternative fuels, and shifts as much of our travel as possible from transportation modes that consume a lot of energy to those that consume less.

Report | American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy

Energy Efficiency in the American Clean Energy Security Act of 2009

In June 2009, the House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES). This climate and energy legislation included a number of provisions intended to help the U.S. reduce energy use through various energy efficiency measures. Foremost, the bill requires utilities to obtain 20% of their energy through a combination of renewable energy and energy efficiency by 2020, with energy efficiency allowed to meet up to 8% of the 20% goal. Other energy efficiency provisions are designed to improve energy savings associated with improved building codes and retrofits, and appliance standards. The bill also facilitates energy savings within the transportation and industrial sectors. Additionally, the cap and trade provisions of the bill dictate how carbon allowances will be apportioned.

Report | Environment Michigan Research and Policy Center

Moving Michigan Beyond Oil

Increasing dependence on petroleum-based transportation fuels is negatively impacting Michigan’s economy and environment. Michiganders send over $14 billion per year to other countries and states to import petroleum. On the environmental front, petroleum is increasing ecological degradation from global warming, air pollution, water pollution, habitat destruction and related issues. Moreover, petroleum-based products with even higher environmental impacts—such as tar sands—are increasing their market share in Michigan and throughout our region.

Report | Environment Michigan Research and Policy Center

Vision 2010: President Obama’s Budget, Clean Energy and the Environment

President Obama has in two short months set the nation in a new direction when it comes to transitioning to a clean energy economy, stopping global warming and protecting the environment.

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