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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.
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A bill heard before a Michigan Senate committee would make it easier for residents to join the state’s “Pesticide Notification Registry.” Colin Jackson has more.
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Every April brings us another Earth Day. The event aimed at increasing environmental education, awareness and activism is now in its 54th year. How far have we come in more than five decades and what has to happen next? Rosina Bierbaum is a professor and Dean Emerita in the U of M’s School for Environment and Sustainability. She gave an insider's assessment with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak.
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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.
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With the arrival of April, the City of Ann Arbor has restarted weekly curbside compost collection. But as WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports, some changes have been made as to what can be picked up.
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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.
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A federal appeals court heard arguments Thursday on whether the Michigan’s efforts to shut down Enbridge Line 5 belong in a state or federal court. We have more from Rick Pluta.
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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 research and why it caused such an uproar. Goldstein is co-lead author of the study.
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Washtenaw County Water Resources to provide weekend opportunities for residents to dispose of their hazardous wastes at sanctioned drop-off locations. WEMU’s Taylor Bowie has more.
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State regulators would again have the power to create new water protection rules under legislation that made it out of a Michigan Senate committee Thursday. Colin Jackson has more.