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Ann Arbor officials says some of the trees in the city are dying, and they attribute it to leaks in the DTE Energy natural gas infrastructure. The utility says it is not the problem. The city is asking DTE to conduct necessary repairs, while the utility argues it would be cost prohibitive to contract an arborist to evaluate potential methane damage to trees. What comes next? WEMU's David Fair discussed it with Ann Arbor Sustainability and Innovations Director, Missy Stults.
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Republicans are pushing back against Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s plan to deputize private practice attorneys to pursue climate lawsuits. As Rick Pluta reports, Nessel’s office is seeking proposals for lawsuits against oil and gas companies.
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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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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 shares his perspective with WEMU's David Fair.
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Attorney General Dana Nessel is challenging a rate hike request filed by Consumers Energy, the state’s largest gas and electric utility. We have more from Rick Pluta.
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The Ann Arbor Energy Commission is pushing to get the city to adopt a ban on natural gas for all new construction. WEMU's Josh Hakala reports.
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The city of Ann Arbor is considering a ban on natural gas stoves in new construction. In fact, the planning commission has already put that proposal forward but there are measures at the state level that would prohibit such a ban. What will be the future of gas stoves locally? Find out in this conversation between WEMU's David Fair and Ann Arbor Planning Commission member, Lisa Sauve.
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U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga co-sponsored a bill that would ban any future restriction of gas appliances at the federal level. If it passes, the West Michigan Republican’s bill would run counter to a proposed ordinance in Ann Arbor. WEMU's Josh Hakala has more.
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New buildings in Ann Arbor will not be allowed to install natural gas connections. That’s if a proposal from the city’s planning commission is approved. WEMU’s Josh Hakala reports.
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Most residential homes and commercial buildings rely heavily on gas power. It leaves a significant carbon footprint at a time when the community is rushing to become carbon neutral. The movement is gaining steam, and, this week, residents can learn more at an electrification expo. WEMU's David Fair got into the details of it all with Julie Roth from the City of Ann Arbor's Office of Sustainability and Innovations.