MiCAN in the Media
MiCAN is proud to be part of a growing movement for climate justice across our state.
Here, you'll find media coverage that features our work, amplifies our voice, and highlights the communities and solutions we're fighting for. From interviews and quotes to articles and press releases, we continue to show up in the media to advocate for bold, equitable climate action in Michigan.
APRIL 2025
Federal Attacks on Climate Funding, Staff and Programs Will Increase Health Risks and Costs for Michiganders
April 17, 2025
At a virtual briefing hosted by Michigan Solutions for All, MiCAN Executive Director Dr. Denise Keele joined partners to sound the alarm on dangerous federal rollbacks to climate funding, clean energy programs, and environmental protections, threats that would raise energy costs, deepen health disparities, and stall Michigan’s climate progress. As Dr. Keele emphasized, Michigan leads the nation in clean energy investment and stands to lose billions in job-creating, resilience-building funds that our communities fought hard to secure. MiCAN and allies are calling for a renewed commitment to protect these gains and ensure climate solutions remain in the hands of the people not polluters.
Line 5 tunnel project permits on 'fast track' by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
April 17, 2025
The federal review of the Line 5 tunnel project is being fast-tracked, raising red flags for Tribal Nations and environmental groups worried about shortcuts in the process. This move threatens the health of the Great Lakes and undermines community voices. MiCAN continues to advocate for a thorough review process that prioritizes people, climate, and the future of our water.
Michigan climate action plans must better address marginalized communities, study finds
April 14, 2025
A new MSU study shows many Michigan climate plans miss the mark on addressing the needs of marginalized communities. Denise Keele, Executive Director of MiCAN, says true climate solutions must tackle racial and economic inequality. MiCAN partners with cities to center community voices, push for equitable policies, and ensure those most impacted are part of the climate conversation.
Opinion | Permitting precedent imperils Michigan’s waters
April 9, 2025
This powerful piece from Beth Wallace, Great Lakes climate and energy director at the National Wildlife Federation, underscores exactly why MiCAN and our partners are deeply invested in stopping the Line 5 tunnel project. Enbridge’s track record of environmental harm, from the catastrophic Kalamazoo spill to aquifer breaches and drilling mishaps, illustrates why full permitting, including under the Submerged Lands Act, is not optional; it's essential. As Wallace highlights, allowing this project to bypass proper oversight would set a dangerous precedent for Michigan’s regulatory process and threaten the integrity of our environmental protections. MiCAN remains committed to protecting our Great Lakes and holding both corporations and regulators accountable. The time to speak up is now.
Native American tribes and environmental groups ask Michigan Supreme Court to hear Line 5 challenge
April 3, 2025
Following a Michigan Court of Appeals decision upholding a key permit for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project, four Tribal Nations and three environmental groups, including MiCAN, are asking the Michigan Supreme Court to intervene. They argue the decision violates the state constitution, environmental laws, and the public trust doctrine by failing to consider oil spill risks and climate impacts.
PRESS RELEASE: Tribes, Greens Take Line 5 Tunnel to Michigan’s Supreme Court
April 3, 2025
Four Michigan Tribes and environmental groups, including the Michigan Climate Action Network (MiCAN), are asking the state Supreme Court to overturn the permit for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project under the Straits of Mackinac. The coalition argues the project threatens the Great Lakes, violates Tribal sovereignty, and contradicts Michigan’s environmental laws. MiCAN joined the appeal, stating the tunnel undermines the state’s clean energy goals and prolongs reliance on fossil fuels.
MARCH 2025
As Line 5 tunnel set to be fast-tracked, Great Lakes tribes withdraw from cooperating on environmental review
March 26, 2025
As the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers moves to fast-track federal approval of Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel, six Great Lakes Tribes have withdrawn from the environmental review process, citing a lack of good faith and meaningful tribal consultation. The Tribes argue the rushed process violates treaty rights and undermines environmental protections. MiCAN stands with Tribal Nations and environmental groups opposing the tunnel, which threatens the Great Lakes and contradicts Michigan’s clean energy goals.
Environmental groups sound new alarm as fossil fuel lobby pushes for immunity
March 17, 2025
As fossil fuel companies face mounting lawsuits over decades of climate deception, nearly 200 environmental and legal advocacy groups, including MiCAN, are warning Congress against granting the industry immunity. The letter, signed by major climate advocates, urges Democratic leaders to reject any attempts to shield polluters from accountability. Advocates fear the fossil fuel industry will exploit the current political climate to undermine climate litigation and block state-level "climate superfund" laws aimed at making polluters pay for environmental harm.
Michigan climate action plans must better address marginalized communities, study finds
March 9, 2025
A recent MSU study found that while many Michigan cities are developing climate action plans, few address the needs of marginalized communities most affected by climate change. MiCAN is working to close that gap by helping local governments incorporate environmental justice into their plans through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
FEBRUARY 2025
Detroit rally pushes back against Trump efforts to dismantle climate and health protections
February 18, 2025
More than 200 people gathered in Detroit for the “Climate Can’t Wait” rally, calling out federal rollbacks of environmental protections and demanding urgent action on climate and public health. Joined by lawmakers and local leaders, the event spotlighted threats to clean air, water, and environmental justice. MiCAN co-hosted the rally, standing alongside frontline communities and partners to defend hard-won climate progress and advocate for a healthier, more equitable future.
Michigan residents protest Trump’s environmental cuts in Southwest Detroit
February 15, 2025
Despite heavy snow, over 200 Michiganders rallied in Southwest Detroit for the “Climate Can’t Wait” event, protesting environmental rollbacks and calling for protection of clean energy jobs and frontline communities. Co-organized by MiCAN, the rally featured union leaders, youth activists, and elected officials demanding federal action to defend the Inflation Reduction Act and environmental justice. MiCAN Executive Director Denise Keele emphasized Detroit’s central role in the climate justice fight and the urgent need to safeguard investments that create clean, union jobs across Michigan.
Michiganders rally in Detroit to push back against federal attacks on clean air and water
February 15, 2025
As the roll backs of environmental protections and clean energy investments continue, hundreds of Michiganders gathered in Detroit to defend climate progress and demand environmental justice. Part of a national Climate Action Campaign movement and co-hosted by MiCAN, the rally featured elected officials, youth leaders, and community advocates speaking out against threats to clean air, water, and good-paying green jobs.
Michigan leaders rally for action on climate and environmental protections
February 15, 2025
Activists gathered in Detroit for the “Climate Can’t Wait” rally, calling for action on environmental justice and climate protections amid sweeping cuts to the federal workforce. With nearly 400 EPA workers recently fired, speakers, including Rep. Debbie Dingell and Rep. Rashida Tlaib, warned of the long-term consequences for public health, climate oversight, and clean energy progress. The rally, supported by MiCAN and partner organizations, underscored the urgent need to protect federal climate investments, union jobs, and the rights of frontline communities.