PODCAST

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment

David Fair

news & politics

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15:01

Issues of the Environment: Finding new ways to pay...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/07/10

The Michigan fuel tax is no longer sufficient to fund needed road repairs and maintenance. As more electric vehicles hit the streets, the tax will raise less money, but the need for road and bridge revenue will only increase. Conversations are underway about alternative possibilities. WEMU's David Fair talks about what that might look like with Denise Donohue, CEO of the County Road Association of Michigan.

10:33

Issues of the Environment: Potawatomi Trail to...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/06/26

The popular Potawatomi Trail is about to get an environmental facelift. The hiking and biking trail connects Washtenaw and Livingston Counties and is about to get about $500,000 in upgrades. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Pinckney Recreation Area park manager, Chuck Dennison, to learn what that is going to look like.

9:19

Issues of the Environment: Popular environmental...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/06/19

The Ann Arbor Public Schools' innovative Environmental Education program is 55 years old now and, throughout that time, has connected students to the natural environment. For 38 of those years, Dave Szczygiel has worked as a teacher and, for over two decades, as Environmental Education Consultant in the district. Now, he is retiring. He looks back and looks at what’s to come with WEMU's David Fair.

11:19

Issues of the Environment: UM study shows rooftop...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/06/12

It can be expensive to install rooftop solar panels, but they do pay for themselves over time. Not only does it save on energy costs, but a new University of Michigan study says the value of rooftop solar panels will continue to increase. It will also be vital as the climate continues to warm, and we will need more energy to keep cool. WEMU's David Fair was joined by U-M Energy Systems Assistant Professor Dr. Michael Craig to learn more about the research.

11:04

Issues of the Environment: A preview of the 2024...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/06/05

Ann Arbor will serve as host to the National PFAS conference, which runs June 10th-12th at the Michigan League. Scientists, political leaders and environmental advocates will gather to discuss the best ways forward in dealing with toxic forever chemicals. Among them will be Robert Kerr, who is co-chair of the 2024 National PFAS Conference and Community Leader with the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network. He, along with WEMU's David Fair, previews the conference and why it's so important to Washtenaw

10:33

Issues of the Environment: Michigan lawmakers face...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/05/29

The State House and Senate are working to come to an agreement on the budget for the 2025 fiscal year and get it sent to Governor Gretchen Whitmer before a self-imposed July 1st deadline. Some of the environmental measures proposed by Governor Whitmer have been left out and finding for others is at a premium. 33rd District State Representative Felicia Brabec has been actively involved in the process. WEMU's David Fair checked in with the Pittsfield Township Democrat for the latest.

10:36

Issues of the Environment: Emergency order in place...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/05/22

Avian Influenza is running rampant through Michigan and other parts of the country. Bird flu is nothing new, but this year, it has spread to dairy cattle. The impacts affect animal farming, consumer prices and the economy. As such, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has issued an emergency order to try and stop its spread. Department director, Dr. Tim Boring, provided the most up-to-date information in his conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

11:00

Issues of the Environment: Assessing the health of...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/05/15

The outdoor recreation season is getting into full swing and, for many, the summer fun will center around the Huron River. The Annual Huron River Day celebration will be held Sunday, May 19th at Island Park. As festivity preparations continue, we wanted to get an update on the health of the river and its watershed. New grades put it at about a C+. There are challenges, there are victories and there is more work to be done. WEMU's David Fair checked in with Huron River Watershed Council executive

11:27

Issues of the Environment: Ann Arbor investing $1...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/05/08

A key component to adapting to a changing climate is resiliency—finding ways to be flexible in addressing change in environmental, social and economic ways. Ann Arbor recently received a $1 million grant from the EPA’s Environmental Justice Government-to-Government program to support investment in reaching the most underserved residents. Ann Arbor Sustainability and Innovations director Missy Stults joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss how the grant money will be applied.

11:14

Issues of the Environment: Happy Planet Running in...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/05/01

Going out for a run is great exercise, and it also happens to be an eco-friendly activity. But what about when hundreds, or even thousands, run together? Competitive running draws big crowds, and big crowds create a lot of excess waste. That’s why Jeff Jackson created Happy Planet Running. His Ann Arbor-based company works with race organizers to try and create zero-waste events. Jackson talked about how it’s working with WEMU's David Fair.

11:13

Issues of the Environment: The debate over nuclear...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/04/24

It appears the state of Michigan plans to add more nuclear power to its energy portfolio. It is certainly cleaner energy than fossil fuels, but the threat to the environment and public health is much greater, should something go wrong. WEMU's David Fair was joined by the president and CEO of the Michigan Environmental Council, Conan Smith, to look at the future of nuclear energy in Michigan.

14:53

Issues of the Environment: The Ecology Center pushes...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/04/17

Earth Day 2024 is right around the corner, and this year’s theme is “Planet vs. Plastics.” Advocates are calling for a global reduction of 60% in plastics manufacturing to protect the environment and human health. The Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center has been advocating for the introduction and passage of five bills in Michigan that will add teeth to plastic regulation in several important areas. Ecology Center director Mike Garfield joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss our future with plastics.

10:46

Issues of the Environment: Assessing the challenges...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/04/10

The idea of solar farms is somewhat controversial as people argue over state control, local community determination and individual property rights. Those arguments are playing out right here in Washtenaw County. WEMU's David Fair talked through the issues with Madeleine Krol from the Graham Sustainability Institute's Center for Empowering Communities at the University of Michigan.

11:12

Issues of the Environment: Meeting the challenges of...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/04/03

Golf courses take up a lot of land, and the well-manicured grasses require a lot of maintenance and have traditionally been treated with materials detrimental to the health of the environment. Yet, efforts to reduce environmental impacts have taken great strides. The City of Ann Arbor owns two golf courses, and WEMU's David Fair talked with parks manager Josh Landefeld about where it’s come and where it’s headed.

11:20

Issues of the Environment: Ypsilanti Township seeks...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/03/27

Ypsilanti Township is continuing legal action against a local, interstate materials hauling company. Last summer, a massive pile of a black, coal-like substance appeared on the property owned by OKD Transport. Since then, nearby testing has turned up toxic carcinogens. The property owner says independent testing has proven the substance to be non-hazardous. WEMU's David Fair talked with Ypsilanti Township attorney Douglas Winters about the ongoing issues and concerns.

11:15

Issues of the Environment: A University of Michigan...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/03/20

There are a great number of positives when people operate and work on urban farms and community gardens: access to fresh and healthy foods, community building and reduced transportation needs in areas known as food deserts. A new study from the University of Michigan discovered some areas where improvement is needed with some urban farms and gardens creating a carbon footprint much greater than conventionally grown produce. WEMU's David Fair checked in with Benjamin Goldstein to learn more about the

10:56

Issues of the Environment: Ann Arbor leads the way in...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/02/28

Did you know that state and local governments collectively spend about $1.3 trillion each year in procurement? That’s products like furnishings, computers, vehicles and pens and staplers. Many of these products are harmful to the environment, and so now, there is a movement towards sustainable procurement policies. It turns out Ann Arbor is leading the way and being used as a model around the country. WEMU's David Fair talks sustainable procurement with Matt Naud. He was the first ever environmental

11:00

Issues of the Environment: UM-led research project...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/02/21

Icy roads are synonymous with Michigan winter, and the Washtenaw County Road Commission uses about 18,000 tons of salt in an average year to keep the roads safe. It is the most cost-effective way to treat the roads, but it is horrible for the environment. A new University of Michigan-led research project seeks to find solutions in the natural environment. WEMU's David Fair was joined by Anish Tuteja. He is a professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Michigan and is serving

11:25

Issues of the Environment: City of Ann Arbor's moving...

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/02/14

The City of Ann Arbor wants to move away from natural gas. In 2020, the city declared a climate emergency and noted the need to get off of fossil fuels. For the most part, that means a shift to more electric appliances, including the manner in which we heat the spaces where we live and work. Is it possible to make the transition? Some say yes. Some say no. John Mirsky is a member of the Ann Arbor Energy Commission,. He says it is absolutely possible and, in fact, has done it at his own home. He

11:21

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

89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment ·

2024/02/07

Further investing in environmental sustainability will be a part of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s budget for the 2025 fiscal year. The governor is to formally introduce her budget proposal today at 11 AM. WEMU's David Fair invited State Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) to discuss some of what lay ahead in 2024 when it comes to environmental legislation and policy.

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89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment

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