Forged in the Smithy

Glad to see @realDonaldTrump openly supporting the removal of the glorification of the morally reprehensible and traitorous Confederacy from America's monuments. The weak Confederate states were no match for us, Mr. President! Remind them of that! npr.org/2025/03/28/nx-…

Lansing's (and other cities') inability to address climate change disturbingly seems to be on track to solve Lansing's (and other cities') inability to build warming centers.

@ellenvile I did not see an exceedingly large donation to @MichEnvCouncil come in today (Giving Tuesday after all) so I'm guessing you passed...?

I, too, was offered $20 million to run against Rashida

#Michigan becomes the 3rd #GreatLakes state (following IL & MN) to commit to 100 percent carbon-free electricity. The ambitious legislation is expected to transform energy systems in Michigan. @MichEnvCouncil created a guide explaining key provisions. assets.nationbuilder.com/environmentalc…

Watch live as @GovWhitmer signs the new clean energy bills into law! #MIEnergyMIJobs #MICleanEnergyFuture twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…

Hey everyone I found where my @REI dividend is going now!

"@DTE_Energy, Michigan’s largest electric utility and a major political donor, has not taken a position on the clean energy legislation but is warning lawmakers that the measures could result in higher electric bills." via @CoralMDavenport nytimes.com/2023/07/02/cli…

Before you begin your thinkpiece, the Supreme Court DID NOT strike down Affirmative Action Admission preferences for legacies, donors, employee families and special recommendations are still allowed The Court struck down Affirmative Action For everyone except WHITE PEOPLE

“Renewable energy is the cheapest form of energy to build right now.” Watch @CharJameson with @MichEnvCouncil highlight the benefits of clean energy that is affordable, reliable, and better for our health at this morning's MI House Energy Committee meeting. #MIEnergyMIJobs

Two weeks ago, dozens of advocates spoke to over 50 lawmakers about #leadpoisoning prevention. Today, a #MiLeg committee vote to create universal lead testing passed 9-0-1. Onto the Senate floor. 💪🏿💪🏽💪🏻

Detroit's air quality is ranked among the worst in the world due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. Here's what you need to know: (1) Exposure to fine particle pollution can affect the lungs & heart. (2) The EPA recommends wearing an N95 while outside. ow.ly/Kt7T50OHWzl

“According to a new report co-published by the nonprofit Defend Our Health and Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Beyond Petrochemicals campaign, PET plastic bottles cause hazardous chemical pollution at every stage of their life cycle.” grist.org/accountability…

Wow, this is stunning. Thanks, Alex. What an eye-opening look at the data.

@ellenbacca 🤧

Cottonwood BLIZZARD in East Grand Rapids today! Video by Sarah Massie.

The first time I covered the Mackinac Policy Conference, I was a 19-year-old intern at the Mackinac Island paper. I pitched a story and my editor said they'd never covered it before because it was mainly viewed as an island annoyance. I still think about that a lot

"We do not want to damage our future any longer by poisoning our children now." Shantal Ferrell spoke the truth this Lead Education Day. Let's make this the year we take big steps toward lead poisoning's end. 💪 @Ecology_Center / @HealthyHomesGR / @hscott4dist7

Schools & daycares are not required to filter for toxins in the water like lead — but they should be. Filter First legislation will protect children from toxins & ensure they have clean water by requiring filters. Urge your lawmaker to pass Filter First: ow.ly/GfYh50Opu67

Advocacy groups said they shouldn’t have to spend energy and resources fighting bad environmental legislation when Dems control state government. via @PomTerkins planetdetroit.org/2023/05/insult…

@MichiganLCV These bills would also exempt mining operations under 1 million tons from any oversight, local or state. That's a gap you can drive a gravel-laden truck through.

What do we need from the aggregate mining bills to make them safe? Include requirements for the mining industry to recycle aggregates to increase supply, conserve more land in exchange for the land destroyed by mining, and improve soil conservation efforts. (3/4)

The House recently introduced HB 4526-4528 — a package of aggregate mining industry bills that lack environmental & health protections. If passed without adjustments, these bills would accelerate environmental damage done by aggregate mining. Let’s talk about it. 🧵👇 (1/4)

@MichiganLCV Let's not forget to say that these bills are largely unnecessary. MDOT research shows absolutely sufficient aggregate supply. Michigan is one of the biggest aggregate exporters in the country. Expediting mining while sacrificing the environment should be unacceptable.

Aggregate mining: ❌ Destroys farmland & natural areas ❌ Releases harmful sediments into ground & surface water ❌ Increased air pollution from heavy truck traffic The good news? With the proper precautions, these are compatible issues. (2/4)