The DTE Energy program ensures sustainability (and trees) for saline

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Washtenaw County residents have a new opportunity to help the environment while helping to improve Saline’s environment. At the June 17 Saline City Council meeting, DTE Energy’s Molly Luempert-Coy shared information about the company’s natural gas balance program. The voluntary program aims to help customers offset carbon emissions resulting from natural gas consumption.

DTE Energy explained the program in a statement to STN: “DTE Energy encourages Washtenaw County residents to enroll in the Natural Gas Balance program, which supports the development of renewable natural gas produced in Michigan and protects forests in the Upper Peninsula. If more than 100 customers sign up for the program by July 31stLater this year, DTE will plant 10 trees along Saline city streets. This is a great opportunity to offset your carbon footprint while helping plant trees in Washtenaw County! Find out more about the promotion Here AND sign up“

These efforts are a key part of DTE CleanVision’s commitment to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050, which is why the company is offering incentives to communities with high enrollment rates. “We’ve seen really high participation rates in Washtenaw County, and this particular area seems very receptive to wanting to take action on carbon offsets and sustainability goals,” Luempert-Coy said.

“The City of Saline is pleased to partner with DTE to provide clean energy solutions to its residents,” said Saline Mayor Brain Marl. “We hope that the program will be successful enough to enable us to add new trees, allowing us to continue to meet our environmental goals locally.”

The program allows DTE customers to offset some or all of their carbon emissions through a small fee added to their monthly utility bill. Fees range from $4 to $16 and depend on what percentage of emissions the client chooses to offset. These fees then fund the activities behind two of DTE’s key sustainability efforts: carbon offsetting and renewable natural gas (RNG).

What are carbon offsets and renewable natural gas (RNG)?
Healthy forests “absorb” CO2, acting as nature’s “washers”. To preserve and sustain this process, DTE Energy is investing in improved forest management (IFM) projects that “ensure Michigan’s forests are not over-cut by commercial loggers.” This keeps forests healthy and able to absorb carbon dioxide. All offsets come from Michigan forestry projects covering thirteen UP counties, including areas near Pictured Rocks.

RNG is produced by capturing naturally occurring methane produced in landfills and sewage treatment plants. Methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere is instead converted to pipeline-quality gas. The use of RNG not only prevents methane air pollution, but also reduces the need for traditional natural gas. DTE sources RNG from a variety of producers, including the Canton Landfill and the Grand Rapids Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Saline and surrounding Washtenaw County communities have an opportunity to come together here to make a difference. Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, joining the Natural Gas Balance Program is an easy and affordable way to contribute to a cleaner, greener future. And who knows? With enough commitment, we may soon be able to see new trees lining our streets, adding to the charm and beauty of Saline.

DTE Energy representative Molly Luempert-Coy gives a presentation to the Saline City Council on Monday, June 17, 2024. Photo courtesy of the City of Saline.