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From our State Capitol in Lansing to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, WKAR is committed to explaining how the actions of lawmakers are affecting Michiganders. Political and government reporter Abigail Censky leads this section. There are also stories from Capitol correspondents Cheyna Roth, Rick Pluta and the Associated Press. As the 2020 presidential race begins, look here for reports on the role Michigan will play in electing or re-electing the president.

Michigan Government Boosting Environmental Sustainability

Lake Michigan
Reginald Hardwick
/
WKAR-MSU

State government in Michigan is stepping up efforts to boost environmental sustainability by using energy saving efforts at prisons, converting state parks and fish hatcheries to renewable energy, and taking other steps.

Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the kickoff of the effort Thursday.

Whitmer has directed departments to implement more sustainable practices in state buildings and reduce energy usage where possible.

And a pilot program has started to conduct energy audits in the departments of Corrections, Health and Human Services, Natural Resources, and Transportation.

The state Department of Corrections is moving toward "green prisons," with solar panels and energy saving measures planned at its St. Louis Correctional Facility.

Meanwhile, a pilot program in the Department of Natural Resources is planned at Seven Lakes State Park and Oden Fish Hatchery.

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