Michigan is home to about 100 hydroelectric dams, many of which are aging and are routinely in need of repairs and updates. Michiganders deserve certainty that any new owner of one of these structures in our state has both the financial means and intent to operate it in a safe and efficient manner. This reform prioritizes the safety and well-being of Michigan families and their property. While the regulation of hydroelectric facilities is under the purview of the federal government, the state does play an important role in approving the sale and transfer of these facilities.

Over the last several years, our state has had to deal with the potential for dam failures, including disastrous failures like that of the Midland-area dam failure. My legislation would ensure that critical insight into the financial ability of a new owner to operate and properly maintain a hydroelectric dam is part of the conversation when this infrastructure changes hands.

Hydroelectric dams are regulated by the federal government. However, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) must approve the sale or transfer of assets owned by a regulated utility.

Senate Bill 627 would require the MPSC to consider certain financial criteria when reviewing the sale, acquisition or transfer of hydroelectric facilities.

Under the bill, the MPSC would have to evaluate if the acquiring entity demonstrates the financial ability and intent to:

SB 627 was approved on June 18, by the Senate Energy and Environment Committee and now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

Drawing results for 2026 bear and elk licenses are now available. This year, more than 100,000 people applied for 6,278 bear licenses and 200 elk licenses. Results are available at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Hunt Fish app.

While bear hunting dates and quotas will remain similar to last year, the Natural Resources Commission has established elk hunting regulations for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. These regulations include:

For more information, visit the 2026 Elk Hunting Regulations Summary.

The Michigan Senate recently approved legislation as part of a bipartisan six-bill package to update the state’s mobile home laws.

These much-needed reforms would improve oversight of more than 1,200 mobile home communities throughout Michigan and expand protections for nearly 475,000 residents.

Senate Bill 938 would create an income tax credit for mobile home park owners who sell their park to the park’s residents. The bill would create a nonrefundable tax credit of up to 15% of the purchase price if the owner sold the park to its residents.

SBs 934-937 and 939 would:

Manufactured homes, often called mobile homes, differ from traditional homes in that they are constructed and assembled in a factory before being transported to a home site. This allows them to be built for significantly less money than a traditional home. While the average cost of a new house in Michigan is more than $350,000, the average price of a new manufactured home is less than $150,000.

Following these simple steps can help protect our state’s natural resources.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is asking residents to be on the lookout for the invasive spotted lanternfly this summer.

If you see a spotted lanternfly, your location determines what you should do next. If one is found in Jackson, Lenawee, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland or Wayne counties:

If you see a spotted lanternfly in any other Michigan county:

For more information on identifying, reporting or managing spotted lanternfly, visit the state’s spotted lanternfly webpage.

This summer, purchase a Recreation Passport and visit one of Michigan’s 103 state parks and recreation areas to enjoy camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, boating and more.

Michigan also has 11 visitor centers located at state parks and fish hatcheries that offer educational exhibits and access to nearby trails. Each center has professional interpreters who lead nature-focused programs.

During the summer months, Explorer Guides lead outdoor education programs at parks and recreation areas throughout the state. Click here for an interactive map of parks offering Explorer Guide programs, along with weekly schedules for each location.

Many state parks and campgrounds have been updated to improve accessibility. Facilities may include modern restroom buildings, accessible playgrounds, fishing piers, beaches, track chairs and more. Visitors can also take virtual tours before visiting a location.

Recreation Passports can be purchased through the secretary of state or at park entrances.

Michigan is one of the nation’s top blueberry producers, growing over 20 varieties across 17,000 acres and supporting more than 6,600 full-time jobs.

Most commercial blueberries are grown in southwest Michigan, where sandy soil and a high water table in Allegan, Berrien, Muskegon, Ottawa and Van Buren counties create ideal growing conditions.