clean water

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.

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 director Rebecca Esselman for the latest.

The State of Michigan’s “MI Clean Water Plan” is receiving an extra $290 million for an expansion. Colin Jackson has more.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has a new director. Phil Roos was recently appointed to the position by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Roos will be charged with taking on a number of initiatives aimed at improving the quality of Michigan's air, land and water. In his first media appearance since taking charge of EGLE, Roos discussed his plans with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has a new director. Phil Roos was recently appointed to the position by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Roos will be charged with taking on a number of initiatives aimed at improving the quality of Michigan's air, land and water. In his first media appearance since taking charge of EGLE, Roos discussed his plans with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak.

Earth Day 2023 will be observed on April 22nd, around the world and right here in our community. WEMU's David Fair took some time to gather reflections on where we've come and where we're headed in his conversation with Washtenaw County water resources commissioner, Evan Pratt.

It's about that time of year where you'll begin to see people burning leaves, wood, and plant debris where it's allowed in the community. It creates both air and water pollution and impacts the health of our waterways. Add in the issue of fertilizer and phosphorous runoff, and the environmental and ecological impacts add up. WEMU's David Fair discussed the significance of the problem and what's being done about it with Lauren Koloski from the Office of the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner.

The City of Ann Arbor is bringing back the Huron River Day Festival. We get the details from WEMU’s Taylor Pinson.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, this week, signed a nearly $5 billion dollar spending plan into law that will increase investment in infrastructure, water systems, quality and safety, and a number of other environmental measures. Will the plan create future sustainability? Will it only address short term-needs? Governor Whitmer provides the answers in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair and Lisa Wozniak, executive director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.

A $4.8 billion budget bill that includes spending on water cleanup, infrastructure, and expanded broadband internet is on its way to Governor Gretchen Whitmer. We have more from Rick Pluta.