This coverage is made possible through a partnership between IPR and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization.
A new natural gas project is underway in northern Michigan. DTE Energy is expanding its gas network to Mesick and Buckley.
Natural gas is a fossil fuel made up mostly of methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas. Leaks occur throughout natural gas production and transportation, contributing to emissions. Still, the utility holds that natural gas is a bridge fuel on the path to renewable energy and is more climate-friendly than the propane used in much of the area. DTE has also stressed the cost savings for consumers that make the switch from propane to natural gas.
Meanwhile, environmental groups have criticized the project, saying that building more gas infrastructure is locking in fossil fuels when there should be a focus on helping people electrify their homes instead.
Across the country, the energy landscape is changing. For instance, Michigan is harnessing federal incentives to start offering home-energy rebates for efficiency upgrades and electrification this fall, right around the time DTE is planning to finish its natural gas project.
But for those thinking about switching their heating systems, it’s not as simple as choosing the cleanest fuel.
Read the full story on Grist.
Listen to an interview about the project in the audio player above.
