environment

On November 4, voters will decide who they want to serve as mayor of the City of Milan. Incumbent Mayor Ed Kolar is seeking his third term. He’s up against Laura Russeau, a longtime advocate and community organizer who ran for Milan City Council two years ago. Kolar joined WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor to talk about his experience and accomplishments on the job thus far and why he should remain in office.

An experimental project in Washtenaw County has the potential to change the way road repair and resurfacing are carried out. The pilot project in Pittsfield Township uses a hot-mix asphalt that incorporates ground tire rubber. A study is underway to determine if it is not only better for the environment but more sustainable and resilient as a paving practice. The project is a collaboration between the Washtenaw County Road Commission, Michigan Tech University and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Learn more in a conversation between WEMU's David Fair and Michigan Tech transportation engineering professor Dr. Zhanping You.

The Ann Arbor City Council votes tonight on four resolutions advancing the goal to make the nation’s first carbon neutral neighborhood in the Bryant community. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.

Early this morning, the Michigan Legislature approved a roughly $80 billion budget for the fiscal year. State Senator Jeff Irwin is chair of the Appropriations Committee for the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. The Ann Arbor Democrat joined WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak to provide a snapshot of the environmental implications of the budget.

County water management officials are asking residents to drop off any hazardous household waste at their disposal location in Scio Township this Saturday. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

Have you ever wondered exactly what happens to your trash, recyclables and compost after you throw it away? WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor explored the answers with Lydia McMullen-Laird. She is the co-founder of Ann Arbor-based ZeroWaste.org. They discussed whether progress is being made in Washtenaw County, and whether there is a likelihood of regression, given rollbacks in environmental investments at the state and federal level.

Washtenaw County Resiliency Office Director Beth Gibbons says data centers use a lot of resources but also can provide essential services. That’s part of a report she presented to county commissioners on Wednesday. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Washtenaw County is currently experiencing a mild drought that is impacting the Huron River and the wildlife that relies on it. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

Scientists from around the world are in Ann Arbor for a symposium on nuclear policy, technology, and education. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The Department of Energy sent an email to employees directing them to avoid language like “climate change.” WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor spoke to a University of Michigan climate scientist about the implications.