Brian Allnutt
brianallnutt.bsky.social
Brian Allnutt
@brianallnutt.bsky.social
Environmental reporter with Planet Detroit.

I cover the climate crisis, utilities, environmental justice, politics, and open space.

Reach out via Signal at brianallnutt.27
Reposted by Brian Allnutt
The Howell Township board will consider a six-month data center moratorium Thursday in the face of a $1 billion data center proposal that has met with pushback from residents. planetdetroit.org/2025/11/howe...
Howell Township officials under pressure to approve $1 billion data center: 'DTE is going to have to pivot'
The Howell Township board is set to review a six-month data center moratorium Thursday following resident pushback against a $1 billion proposal.
planetdetroit.org
November 19, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Reposted by Brian Allnutt
"We have a 2000s housing bubble level of financial engineering on top of a 1920s level of private unregulated lending on top of something bigger than a 1990s internet (or 1870s railroad) level of technology and infrastructure build-out." prospect.org/2025/11/19/a...
The AI Bubble Is Bigger Than You Think - The American Prospect
It’s not just OpenAI that looks overhyped. There’s a whole mountain of sketchy financial engineering underneath.
prospect.org
November 19, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Reposted by Brian Allnutt
We’re still trying to get over this.

(From the Crass doc. _Crass: The Sound of Free Speech_)
November 19, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Reposted by Brian Allnutt
DTE is seeking a $163 million gas rate hike as the Trump administration puts the future of federal dollars for utility customers in doubt.
@planetdetroit.org
DTE seeks $163 million gas rate hike as heating help dwindles
DTE Energy's proposed 8% gas rate hike could add $6.16 to monthly residential bills at a time of uncertainty for energy assistance programs.
planetdetroit.org
November 13, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Like these songs (albums) that don't seem to have a beginning or an end.
Teenage Fanclub - Everything Flows (The Best Version)
YouTube video by ScottishTeeVee
www.youtube.com
November 15, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Air quality is looking rough this morning, especially out towards Ann Arbor. Seems to be improving though.
November 15, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Reposted by Brian Allnutt
DTE’s rate hike request comes as Trump administration puts the future of federal dollars for utility customers in doubt: planetdetroit.org/2025/11/dte-...
DTE seeks $163 million gas rate hike as heating help dwindles
DTE Energy's proposed 8% gas rate hike could add $6.16 to monthly residential bills at a time of uncertainty for energy assistance programs.
planetdetroit.org
November 13, 2025 at 10:45 PM
DTE is seeking a $163 million gas rate hike as the Trump administration puts the future of federal dollars for utility customers in doubt.
@planetdetroit.org
DTE seeks $163 million gas rate hike as heating help dwindles
DTE Energy's proposed 8% gas rate hike could add $6.16 to monthly residential bills at a time of uncertainty for energy assistance programs.
planetdetroit.org
November 13, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Reposted by Brian Allnutt
I love that this article ends with "civic next steps"
November 8, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Reposted by Brian Allnutt
Michigan regulators address some “stranded asset” risk from data centers, but don't add requirements to protect clean and renewable energy standards. MPSC also sets up a process for addressing traditional cost allocation that could shift data center costs onto other ratepayers. @planetdetroit.org
Michigan regulators move to protect Consumers Energy customers from some data center costs
The Michigan Public Service Commission approves rules to shield Consumers Energy ratepayers from data center costs, while environmentalists seek stronger protections.
planetdetroit.org
November 7, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Reposted by Brian Allnutt
No shortage red flags in this @planetdetroit.org report on a new data center in rural Michigan. Among them fast-tracking approval, climate off ramp and carbon capture. @brianallnutt.bsky.social reports.
planetdetroit.org/2025/11/dte-...
$7 billion Saline Township data center reignites concern over Michigan climate plan ‘off ramp’
DTE Energy urges Michigan regulators to expedite approval for OpenAI data center in Saline Township, amid concerns over climate impact and utility rates.
planetdetroit.org
November 7, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Michigan regulators address some “stranded asset” risk from data centers, but don't add requirements to protect clean and renewable energy standards. MPSC also sets up a process for addressing traditional cost allocation that could shift data center costs onto other ratepayers. @planetdetroit.org
Michigan regulators move to protect Consumers Energy customers from some data center costs
The Michigan Public Service Commission approves rules to shield Consumers Energy ratepayers from data center costs, while environmentalists seek stronger protections.
planetdetroit.org
November 7, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Reposted by Brian Allnutt
“If this build out of data centers happens...it is going to enable companies like DTE & Consumers to opt out of clean energy standards,” Sean McBrearty, Michigan director for the nonprofit Clean Water Action, told Planet Detroit. “They’ll get to build more gas plants (&) charge Michigan ratepayers.”
November 7, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Reposted by Brian Allnutt
We need to "call in" Ren and Stimpy, not call them out. Their rambunctious behavior cannot stand — but we must not resort to carceral or shame-based faux-solutions.
November 7, 2025 at 1:44 AM
Reposted by Brian Allnutt
DTE looks to fast-track OpenAI facility, while environmental advocates raise alarms over utilities’ plans to build more gas plants to meet massive energy needs of data centers: planetdetroit.org/2025/11/dte-...
$7 billion Saline Township data center reignites concern over Michigan climate plan ‘off ramp’
DTE Energy urges Michigan regulators to expedite approval for OpenAI data center in Saline Township, amid concerns over climate impact and utility rates.
planetdetroit.org
November 6, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Bill in Grand Rapids weighed in on SNAP cuts: “How do I feel about it? I curse Donald Trump and his entire party of sycophants and lickspittles to the seven[th] circle of hell, now and for all time."
Americans ‘dumbfounded by cruelty’ of Trump officials slashing Snap benefits
Those among the 42 million enrolled in the program worry that cutoff of the benefit will send their lives into a tailspin
www.theguardian.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Reposted by Brian Allnutt
The government shutdown is blocking funding for LIHEAP, an energy assistance program that helped over 400k Michiganders keep their heat on last winter, assisting another 129k with year round support. @planetdetroit.org
How government shutdown could add to strain on Michigan ratepayers
Michigan's energy assistance funding, crucial for vulnerable residents, is blocked by the federal government shutdown.
planetdetroit.org
November 2, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Reposted by Brian Allnutt
Election Day info! If you haven't voted early or absentee, make sure your voice is heard!

Go to mi.gov/vote to find your polling place and what's on your ballot.

Questions or problems? Call 866-OUR-VOTE.

#CleanWaterVoter
#MIvoting
November 3, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Reposted by Brian Allnutt
Civic infrastructure = Essential systems communities need.
Accountability journalism is infrastructure too, and needs investment to function.
Double your NewsMatch investment now through Nov. 1:

👉https://donorbox.org/be-a-planet-detroiter-780440
November 3, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Reposted by Brian Allnutt
Last chance to turn it off.

On Monday, November 3rd, Microsoft will start using your LinkedIn data for AI training. And remember, you're opted in by default.

To toggle it off 👉 Account - Settings & Privacy > Data privacy > Data for Generative AI Improvement.
October 31, 2025 at 1:37 PM
The comrades at…
People magazine covering our current spectacle of wealth and privation.
Donald Trump Hosts 'Great Gatsby'-Themed Halloween Party as 42 Million Americans Brace for SNAP Benefits to Expire
Donald Trump hosted a 'Great Gatsby'-themed Halloween party at Mar-a-Lago on Oct. 31 as 42 million Americans prepared to lose their federal SNAP benefits the following day, Nov. 1.
people.com
November 2, 2025 at 5:18 PM
The government shutdown is blocking funding for LIHEAP, an energy assistance program that helped over 400k Michiganders keep their heat on last winter, assisting another 129k with year round support. @planetdetroit.org
How government shutdown could add to strain on Michigan ratepayers
Michigan's energy assistance funding, crucial for vulnerable residents, is blocked by the federal government shutdown.
planetdetroit.org
November 2, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Reposted by Brian Allnutt
If you or someone you know is in need of food resources -- please check out the resource list below that my team has compiled.

Also, 2-1-1 is an excellent resource to call for food & other resources.

FAQ from MDHHS: www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assist...
November 2, 2025 at 3:05 PM
“On a scale from one to 10, the AI-bubble concern is: people posting memes of Christian Bale’s character from The Big Short, squinting in disbelief at his computer monitor.”
Here’s How the AI Crash Happens
The U.S. is becoming an Nvidia-state.
www.theatlantic.com
November 1, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Reposted by Brian Allnutt
Government shutdown and interruption of LIHEAP are only the latest issue for the utility assistance program, which had its staff cut by the Trump administration: planetdetroit.org/2025/10/lihe...
How government shutdown could add to strain on Michigan ratepayers
Michigan's energy assistance funding, crucial for vulnerable residents, is blocked by the federal government shutdown.
planetdetroit.org
October 31, 2025 at 2:18 PM