The Michigan Legislature is putting final touches on its budget proposal, and environmental issues are prominent. This is the first time in 40 years both chambers and the governor’s office are led by Democrats at the same time. WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conversation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, went straight to the source. State Senator Sarah Anthony chairs the Appropriations Committee. They discussed planned funding for environmental protections and more equitable distribution of funding for environmental and social justice programs.

There is a growing commitment to put equity at the fore in our governance. Democrats are in control in Lansing for the first time in 40 years and plan to further those efforts, including in the areas of environmental justice and sustainability. In the April edition of "1st Friday Focus on the Environment," WEMU’s David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, wanted to find out what that will look like. They asked Democratic State Senator, Erika Geiss for her insights.

Energy grid reliability is again at the fore following an ice storm that crippled much of Michigan. Additionally, environmental concerns about transporting toxic chemicals and how and where they are stored is, once again, a priority following a train derailment in Ohio. 6th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) joined WEMU's David Fair and Lisa Wozniak from the Michigan League of Conservation Voters with new and updated information on the path forward.

Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow has announced she will not seek reelection in 2024, bringing an end to a long and storied political career. She joined WEMUI's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, for a conversation on what environmental goals she wants to accomplish in her last two years.

As the new session in Lansing gets underway, Democrats find themselves in control of both chambers of the Legislature for the first time in 40 years. Governor Gretchen Whitmer sees that as a path forward on a number of issues. The governor joins WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, to lay out her priorities for the next two years.

When the state Legislature reconvenes in January, Democrats will be in control of both chambers for the first time in 40 years. Democrats have a laundry list of priorities in the new legislative session. We’re going to take an initial look at what environmental priorities are on that list in the final edition of 1st Friday for 2022. WEMU’s David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, went straight to the top of the incoming leadership ladder. Detroit Democrat, Joe Tate, will discuss environmental priorities as he prepares to become the next Speaker of the House in Lansing.

There are many, from all political walks of life, that believe our democracy is in existential crisis. Count former State Senator Lana Pollack of Ann Arbor among them. The midterm elections may hold the long-term future of the environment in the balance. Pollack stopped by the WEMU studios to discuss democracy and environmental policy with our own David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak.

In November, Ann Arbor voters will decide the Community Climate Action ballot proposal. It's a broad plan aimed at helping the city achieve its carbon neutrality goals and set a foundation for building a city run entirely on renewable energy. But it comes with a hefty price tag. It asks voters to agree to a 20-year tax levy that, if approved, will raise about $140 million over its lifetime. WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, explore the proposal and its implications with Jason Frenzel. He serves as a member of the ballot proposal's steering committee.

The Huron River has, once again, been put at risk because of a chemical spill. First it was PFAS contamination, and now it's Hexavalent Chromium. In both instances, the same Wixom-based company is responsible. Yet, the laws in Michigan do not allow for holding the company liable. That wasn't always the case. WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, got together with the author of Michigan's original and now-dismantled polluter pay legislation. Former Ann Arbor State Senator Lana Pollack weighed in on the need to re-institute liability laws to better protect the environment.

As the climate crisis worsens, the drive to more quickly create sustainable, renewable energy systems is picking up steam. But there are barriers slowing things down. For example, Manchester Township recently denied a permit that would have allowed for a 159-acre solar farm. State House Minority Leader Donna Lasinski represents that part of Washtenaw County, and she shares her perspective with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak.