Judge Rejects US Department of Justice Opposition to Millions in Investments for Vulnerable Communities in Southeast Michigan #BeyondCoal https://earthjustice.org/news/press/2020/judge-rejects-us-department-of-justice-opposition-to-millions-in-investments

Today, a federal court Judge ruled against the DOJ’s objection to an agreement between DTE Energy and the @SierraClub that would bring air quality improvements to communities of color burdened by decades of coal plant pollution in River Rouge, Ecorse, and the 48217 zip code.

This decision will preserve funds for electric buses and $2 million in community based environmental projects in southeast Michigan that DTE Energy committed to while also finalizing retirement dates for three coal plants.

“This is a crucial victory protecting our historic settlement agreement with DTE, delivering cleaner air to Michigan’s most disproportionately polluted communities,” said @berkow10.

. @berkow10 con't: Scientists confirmed that exposure to air pollution from coal plants decreases the chance of survival once contracting Coronavirus, exacerbating the already dire threats facing communities in environmental injustice hotspots.

. @berkow10 continued: "Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the judge’s decision couldn’t have come at a more crucial time for Michigan communities."