PODCAST

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment

David Fair

news & politics

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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."

11:17

Issues of the Environment: White Tail Solar Project...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/12/11

A new solar project being built in Washtenaw County is expected to generate enough electricity to power 15,000 to 20,000 homes every year. The White Tail Solar project will be built on farmland in York and Augusta Townships. Not only is the project going to help with Washtenaw County’s carbon neutrality goals, it is expected to generate well over $1 million in local tax revenue. WEMU's David Fair discussed the project and its impacts with Dick Cupka, chair of the York Township Planning

11:20

Issues of the Environment: U-M research tracks...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/12/04

What do you think one single animal can tell you about the health of the environment? It turns out quite a bit. Innovative research at the U-M’s School of Environment and Sustainability is using animal tracking data to document environmental and ecological threats and to advance conservation strategies. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Dr. Scott Yanco about the research and what it is telling us so far.

11:10

Issues of the Environment: Food Gatherers continues...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/11/27

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, food insecurity is on high in Washtenaw County. Eileen Spring is president and CEO of Food Gatherers, and she says, since the pandemic, the demand for food assistance has skyrocketed and continues to go up. What is being done to address this glaring community need? Part of the solution also provides some rather amazing environmental benefits. Eileen joined WEMU's David Fair for a discussion on dealing with food insecurity and how food rescue also helps reduce

11:06

Issues of the Environment: Outgoing Washtenaw County...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/11/20

There are some new faces in office in Washtenaw County government following the November general election, and that includes a new Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner. Former Saline Mayor and Democratic State Representative Gretchen Driskell won election to the office after Evan Pratt decided against running for reelection after three terms in the position. WEMU's David Fair talked with Evan about his 12 years in office and the challenges his successor will face in her first term.

10:09

Issues of the Environment: Gretchen Driskell to...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/11/06

Washtenaw County has elected its next Water Resources Commissioner. Evan Pratt decided against running for re-election after serving four terms. Former Saline Mayor and State Representative Gretchen Driskell won the race. She joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the priorities and challenges of the new job.

11:13

Issues of the Environment: U-M works toward...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/10/30

The University of Michigan is forging ahead and working towards being a leader in generative artificial intelligence with its U-M-GPT program. As it does, there are environmental concerns to be addressed. The initiative is part of Michigan’s broader effort to integrate AI into its academic and administrative infrastructure, enhancing learning, teaching, and research. But, AI consumes a great deal of energy. WEMU's David Fair spoke with the Vice President for Information Technology and Chief

15:01

Issues of the Environment: City of Ann Arbor...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/10/23

Tree Town is looking to find new and productive ways to avoid wasting wood. The City of Ann Arbor is partnering with the company “Urban Ashes” to repurpose storm-damaged and diseased trees. We often discuss the ecological benefits of planting and maintaining trees but rarely look at the environmental impact wood can have once it’s down. Urban Ashes CEO Paul Hickman joined WEMU's David Fair to look at the partnership, how it will work and the benefits it can provide.

10:27

Issues of the Environment: HRWC study shows mussels...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/10/16

Over the summer, the Huron River Watershed Council conducted an extensive survey of freshwater mussels in the Huron River to determine potential impacts when the Peninsular Paper Dam is removed. It found that removing the Pen Dam could release sediment, potentially smothering downstream mussel populations. Once the dam is removed, though, the river will return to a more natural state, benefiting mussel species over time. WEMU's David Fair looked at the research and its implications with Huron River

14:55

Issues of the Environment: Wildlife and human overlap...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/10/09

The world population is going up, and human-wildlife overlap is increasing. That can lead to negative outcomes, including spread of disease and species extinction. There can be benefits, too, but it will require some planning. That's the focus of a new study out of the University of Michigan. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Associate Professor in Conservation Science Dr. Neil Carter about the study and what can be done right here in Washtenaw County.

10:29

Issues of the Environment: Combatting light pollution...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/09/25

Some of Ann Arbor's streetlights can be distractingly bright. New LED lighting is helping with the city’s A2Zero Climate Action plan, but some worry over increased light pollution. WEMU's David Fair talked with Ann Arbor City Council member Dharma Akmon about how the city can move forward while addressing sustainability and accommodating public concern.

11:14

Issues of the Environment: 3rd Annual 'Trash Talk...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/09/18

It's time to talk some trash! The 3rd annual Trash Talk Tour in Washtenaw County is right around the corner. Trash Talk Tour co-organizer and zerowaste.org executive director Samuel McMullen joined WEMU's David Fair with a special brand of "trash talk."

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