Michigan cities lose millions to pollution tax breaks with no oversight, little say

A BridgeDetroit investigation reveals that Michigan municipalities are losing approximately $200 million annually in tax revenue through an air pollution control equipment exemption program, yet most cities don't track these losses or know how much pollution is actually being reduced. The program, dating back to 1965, grants indefinite property and sales tax exemptions to companies installing pollution control equipment—often equipment they're already legally required to install—without requiring local government approval or public reporting. Sterling Heights alone has lost an estimated $23 million over the past decade through exemptions granted to automaker Stellantis, though city officials were unaware of this figure until the investigation.