As the November general election draws near and absentee ballots start to circulate at the end of this month, the Michigan Chapter encourages supporters to get prepared. Electing environmental advocates to local, state and federal offices is essential for safeguarding the health of citizens, preserving natural resources and protecting the Great Lakes. Voters can make sure they are ready to vote by checking the information here.
Zug Island in the Detroit River, home of EES Coke. Photo by Anne Woiwode
Sierra Club Sues Zug Island Polluter
The Sierra Club, in partnership with other environmental groups and local activists, filed to intervene in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) federal lawsuit against EES Coke, which alleges that the company has unlawfully emitted thousands of tons of harmful pollutants in a low-income community of color near Detroit. By intervening in the lawsuit, these impacted community members are helping to ensure that EES Coke, a subsidiary of DTE Energy, will end any unlawful pollution and provide robust and specific funding to address the urgent priorities and significant health needs of front-line families. Learn more here.
Army Corps of Engineers Hears From Hundreds on Line 5
Hundreds descended upon Little Bear East Arena in St. Ignace on Sept. 8 to give public comment on the proposed Line 5 Tunnel. Public comment can be made at a virtual meeting to be held October 6, and written comments can also be submitted. Find details here.
Meanwhile, the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Wisconsin won a major court victory in their fight to evict Line 5 from their lands. Find out more here.
Late Breaking Update: The National Transportation Safety Board released a report on Wednesday finding Enbridge at fault for a fossil gas pipeline explosion in Kentucky in 2019 that killed one and injured others. Read about this report and other Enbridge pipeline explosions here.
Oakland County Earth Day, 2022. File photo.
Oakland County Climate Day of Action, Sept. 29
When the Board of Commissioners considers the most environmentally-friendly budget in county history, join Oakland County members and volunteers to support the most significant piece of local climate legislation in the state of Michigan. Find details and how to register here.
National Drive Electric Week, Sept. 23 to Oct. 3
National Drive Electric Week from Sept. 23 to Oct. 3 is a campaign of free events across the country that highlight the many benefits of clean electric vehicles (EVs). Find out more about EVs at an event near you and experience the power of driving electric. More details here.
Gratiot County wind farm (l) and East Lansing Community Solar project. Photos by Anne Woiwode.
Become a Clean Energy Sentinel
Join the Clean Energy Sentinels and become an advocate for clean energy in your community. Join other Sierra Club volunteers across the state through training on how to effectively advocate for renewable energy solutions. Find out more and sign up at this link.
Art by Maddison Chaffer.
Environmental Activism Comes to ArtPrize
The Pleasant Peninsula: Art & Activism Fair will take place Sunday, September 18 in downtown Grand Rapids at Rosa Parks Circle to celebrate a new Michigan-inspired mural at the esteemed ArtPrize event. Learn more and take part in the festivities here.
Michigan Chapter Photo Contest Underway
Calling all photographers and nature lovers to participate in the Michigan Chapter photo contest. Submit photos of Michigan places and people that tell the story of the Great Lakes state. The winning photo for each contest will be featured in Michigan Chapter publications and on social media with proper credit given. Go here for all the details.
Michigan Chapter volunteer lobbyists in front of the Michigan State Capitol in 2018. File photo.
There Are Many Ways to Support the Michigan Chapter
Sierra Club is one of the most versatile defenders of the environment through educational programs, citizen lobbying, election engagement and more. For over 50 years, the Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club has been advocating for Michigan's land, air, and water and fighting to keep our communities healthy and safe. Find the many ways to support the Michigan Chapter’s work here.
Port Crescent State Park photos courtesy of Christy McGillivray.
Explore and Enjoy: National Public Lands Day on
Lake Huron, Sept. 24
Join the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter on September 24 to celebrate National Public Lands Day on the stunning shores of Lake Huron. Explore one of the most beautiful stretches of the Great Lakes shoreline, enjoy the community of the Michigan Chapter and protect our Great Lakes and public lands by taking action to stop the dangerous Line 5 oil pipeline. Register today.
