PODCAST

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment

David Fair

news & politics

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11:14

Issues of the Environment: Moving Ann Arbor's...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2025/05/21

Despite uncertainties at the state and federal level, the City of Ann Arbor continues the push toward a more sustainable energy future. Back in November, voters approved creation of a Sustainable Energy Utility. The municipally owned utility will supplement the existing services from DTE Energy and seeks to use 100% renewable power. There is a lot of work to be done, but the city is moving the project forward. Where does it stand now and what comes next? WEMU's David Fair found out in a conversation

10:40

Issues of the Environment: State Rep. from Ann Arbor...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2025/05/14

Paper or plastic? We’ve all answered that question in the checkout line at the grocery store or supermarket. While reusable bags are growing in popularity, plastic bags remain ubiquitous in retail shopping. A movement to start banning plastic bags, or at least charge money for choosing them at the store, was thwarted in 2016 when the state Legislature banned local governments from passing such environmental measures. Now, Democratic State Representative Morgan Foreman of Ann Arbor is working to lift

11:12

Issues of the Environment: Argus Farm Stop in Ann...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2025/05/07

During the Biden administration, local food distributors were encouraged to apply for grants funding to help build infrastructure for local farms and food. Now, the USDA is making cuts that could undermine the local food system and its suppliers...like Argus Farm Stop in Ann Arbor. WEMU's David Fair talked with co-owner Bill Brinkerhoff about immediate and longer-term impacts.

11:06

Issues of the Environment: Ann Arbor's carbon...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2025/04/30

In June of 2020, the City of Ann Arbor adopted its A2Zero Plan. Its goal was to move the city to full carbon neutrality by the year 2030. Under the best of circumstances, it presented a difficult task. With the new administration enacting funding cuts and some new local challenges, it may be nearly impossible to hit the target date. WEMU's David Fair talked with Ann Arbor Energy Commission member John Mirsky about what comes next.

10:45

Issues of the Environment: The Ecology Center in Ann...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2025/04/16

We have all learned how dangerous and harmful mercury exposure can be. Mercury has long been targeted by the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center. In fact, it is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the National Vehicle Switch Recovery Program it helped launch in 2006. This program was designed to remove mercury switches from vehicles before they were recycled, significantly reducing environmental contamination. WEMU's David Fair talked to the Ecology Center’s Jeff Gearhart about the program’s success and

11:06

Issues of the Environment: State Senator Sue Shink...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2025/04/09

14th District State Senator Sue Shink is taking aim at a lack of transparency when it comes to so-called "forever chemicals." The Northfield Township Democrat is pushing for the Michigan Legislature to require consumer products with PFAS have a warning label. Senator Shink provided details of what she wants to see on this week's "Issues of the Environment" with WEMU's David Fair.

11:14

Issues of the Environment: State Senator Jeff Irwin...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2025/03/26

Michigan attracts trash. Accumulated garbage from places like Ohio, Indiana and Canada ends up in Michigan landfills. In fact, out-of-state garbage accounts for about 25% of what is being dumped in Michigan landfills. State Senator Jeff Irwin is looking to make Michigan a less attractive dumping site by raising the cost of sending garbage here. WEMU's David Fair talked with the Ann Arbor Democrat about his bills to increase tipping fees.

11:02

Issues of the Environment: Addressing flooding in...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2025/03/19

Flooding in the West Willow neighborhood in Ypsilanti Township has been a problem and the search for solutions has been under study. A 500-year storm in 2023 caused damage to over 1,000 homes. Residents are frustrated with the slow pace of progress in addressing outdated water infrastructure, so Washtenaw County hired an engineering and consulting firm to look into solutions. WEMU's David Fair talked with Brandon Ellefson of Livonia-based OHM Advisors about what solutions the study has found.

11:22

Issues of the Environment: Working for environmental...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2025/03/12

The Trump administration is cancelling or defunding a number of initiatives that have been investing in environmental and energy justice. These are programs that, in some cases, have a direct impact on Washtenaw County. The Biden-era Justice40 program has been cancelled. WEMU's David Fair spoke with one of the architects of that program, Dr. Jalonne White-Newsome, who is the former White House Federal Chief Environmental Justice Officer and is founder and CEO of Empowering a Green Environment and

10:54

Issues of the Environment: 'Bird flu' hits Washtenaw...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2025/03/05

Bird flu is spreading throughout lower Michigan. In fact, in early February, about 100 dead birds were found in Washtenaw County alone with "highly pathogenic avian influenza" listed as the likely cause. In other parts of the country, bird flu has spread to humans, and recently, the first human death has been attributed to the disease. Cathy Theisen is a retired veterinarian in Washtenaw County and has previously served as an avian influenza first responder. She joined WEMU's David Fair with the

11:12

Issues of the Environment: Trump administration's...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2025/02/26

The Trump administration has rolled back a Biden administration plan that would have set more stringent PFAS discharge limits into water sources. The Huron River is already contaminated with the forever chemicals. WEMU's David Fair checked in with Huron River Watershed Council executive director Rebecca Esselman, who gave an update on the current health of the Huron and what rollbacks in environmental protections may mean for the future health of the river.

11:05

Issues of the Environment: State Senator Jeff Irwin...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2025/02/19

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has put her proposed budget before the state Legislature, and it includes a significant investment in environmental initiatives. The state Legislature is now divided, and it's unclear what the final version of the budget will look like. Additionally, there is uncertainty from the federal level as what kind of money will be allocated to support protections and clean-ups. WEMU's David Fair spoke with 15th District State Senator Jeff Irwin of Ann Arbor about how things are

11:11

Issues of the Environment: Barry Lonik celebrates...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2025/02/12

Land preservation is important to the agricultural community in Washtenaw County. It’s also a part of the strategy to get Ann Arbor and the county to its carbon neutrality goals. One man has spent about 30 years on local land preservation. Barry Lonik has been a part of 100 projects preserving more than 10,000 acres of land that might otherwise have been developed. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Barry about his three-decade journey and about the impact he still wants to make.

10:43

Issues of the Environment: 'Conquer the Cold'...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2025/02/05

It may be cold outside, but using alternative transportation to get around town is still a vital component of Ann Arbor’s A2Zero Carbon Neutrality plan. That’s the idea behind the “Conquer the Cold” challenge. The challenge is organized by the 'getDowntown' program runs through February 20th. WEMU's David Fair spoke with 'getDowntown' director, Lilliane Webb, to learn more about goals and impact.

9:11

Issues of the Environment: EMU study shows robins are...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2025/01/29

There is something rejuvenating by looking out the window and seeing the first robin of the year. For those taking a closer look, the robins are telling an important environmental story. A recent study out of Eastern Michigan University has found that robins can accurately predict areas with contaminated soil. How? WEMU's David Fair talked with one of the lead researchers, Dorothy Zahor, about her findings and its implications.

10:25

Issues of the Environment: Land preservation project...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2025/01/22

The greenway along the Saline River is going to expand, and about 45 acres of property will preserved in perpetuity. The Washtenaw County Department of Parks and Recreation purchased the land from the Grossman Family, and it aims to improve the environment and add recreational opportunity. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Parks and Recreation Stewardship Planner Allison Krueger about the project.

14:38

Issues of the Environment: Electric vehicle industry...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2025/01/15

The Detroit Auto Show has a major focus on electric vehicles this year. Gone are the days where auto companies feature concept vehicles, but there is the opportunity for you to get in a new EV and run a test track. WEMU's David Fair talked with Charles Griffith from the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center about the EV industry and potential impacts of the incoming Trump Administration.

11:11

Issues of the Environment: Incentives and rebates...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2025/01/08

Renewable energy is becoming a bigger part of our lives. It is crucial to the carbon neutrality goals set forth by the City of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. For the time being, there are a number of tax credits and rebate incentives to electrify and make your home more efficient, but will it last in the second Trump term? WEMU's David Fair talked about what you can do now and what may lay ahead with the Chair of Efficiency and Electrification for the Ann Arbor Chapter of the Citizens' Climate

11:13

Issues of the Environment: Legacy Land Conservancy...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2025/01/01

Land preservation efforts in the greater Washtenaw County area are about to expand. In 2024, The Legacy Land Conservancy received its largest-ever grant. It’s a $24.6 million infusion of money from the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program. WEMU's David Fair was joined by the Conservancy’s Susan LaCroix to discuss the impact that will have in 2025 and beyond in a New Year’s Day edition of "Issues of the Environment."

10:29

Issues of the Environment: 'Buy No Things Ann Arbor'...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/12/18

Black Friday and Cyber Monday this year set a record for sales. As we approach the holiday season, WEMU's David Fair talked with Daniel Grenzicki from the group “Buy No Things Ann Arbor," whose goals go beyond protecting the environment. They explored some of the potential environmental and societal benefits of reducing consumerism on "Issues of the Environment."

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89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment

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