A law meant to clean Michigan’s air now costs the state billions with little oversight
A 1965 law exempts facilities that install air pollution control equipment from property taxes.
Michigan cities lose millions to pollution tax breaks with no oversight, little say
Michigan cities are losing millions in tax revenue from pollution exemptions but have little say in granting them, and aren’t required to track or report the cost.
FAQ: What to know about Michigan’s pollution exemption law
In Detroit, over the last decade, five companies – three owned by Marathon Petroleum – have received 28 exemptions under the law, equaling about $46 million.
5 things to know about the impact of the Air Pollution Control Act
BridgeDetroit spent months investigating pollution control laws in Michigan and the impact when companies aren’t required to follow the laws.
Michigan’s heavy industry receives hundreds of millions of dollars to control pollution. When they don’t, they keep the savings.
Critics say the Air Pollution Control Exemption is outdated, poorly enforced, and subsidizes companies for doing what they’re already legally required to do — even when they violate pollution laws.
Changes sought to relieve bottleneck in popular Detroit street naming program
Historic Preservation Planner Janice Tillmon is urging the City Council to consider changes – like raising the cap on winners or limiting new applications – as a growing number of candidates compete for a tight pool of awards.
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