• Bridge Michigan’s monthly reader discussions continued Wednesday with a conversation about the state’s environmental issues
• Data centers, dams and Michigan’s energy transition were among the topics discussed
• Bridge is asking readers to nominate their top issues for the 2026 election 

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Bridge Michigan explored the state’s myriad environmental concerns — data centers, dams, natural resources funding, climate change and Michigan’s energy transition — during a Wednesday evening Issues Watch event.

The program, the third of Bridge’s election season virtual events, featured reporters Kelly House, Simon D. Schuster and Laura Herberg. 

The reporters were joined by two Bridge readers, Shelley Jeltema, of Lansing, and Janet Pushies, of Brighton Township. Jeltema spoke of her concerns about living downstream from two dams, while Pushies expressed worry that data centers could raise her utility bill.

This week, Bridge reporters explored many of the environmental issues facing Michigan and how leading candidates for governor plan to fix those problems. Bridge also launched a new series that will explore the state’s rivers.

Wednesday’s discussion was part of Bridge Listens, an effort to hear directly from readers about their pressing issues in the 2026 election. Nearly 2,800 people responded to the first round of surveys. Now, Bridge is asking readers to narrow the list using this nomination form.

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You can watch Wednesday’s full discussion here.

Next month’s Issues Watch discussion will focus on affordability and the economy in Michigan.  

Bridge has also recently hosted virtual discussions covering topics including health care, schools, nursing homes, opioid settlement funds, the state’s population crisis, youth mental health, voter issues, the marijuana industry, gun violence, the collapse of whitefish in the lower Great Lakes, tourism, deer hunting and industrial pollution.

Bridge Club members are notified of future events from our nonprofit newsroom and receive member-exclusive benefits such as free Bridge event tickets, copies of our bimonthly Bridge Culture Club selections and more. Member support allows us to offer engagement opportunities like this Issues Watch series. 

To stay up-to-date on upcoming events and Bridge Michigan’s reporting, sign up for any of our free email newsletters, including our weekly Environment Watch newsletter and our twice-weekly Outdoors Life newsletter.

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