renewable energy

Despite uncertainties at the state and federal level, the City of Ann Arbor continues the push toward a more sustainable energy future. Back in November, voters approved creation of a Sustainable Energy Utility. The municipally owned utility will supplement the existing services from DTE Energy and seeks to use 100% renewable power. There is a lot of work to be done, but the city is moving the project forward. Where does it stand now and what comes next? WEMU's David Fair found out in a conversation with Ann Arbor Sustainability and Innovations Director, Missy Stults.

Ann Arbor broke ground Tuesday morning on its new fire station, the first net-zero station to be built in the state. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Jonathan Taylor Overpeck is an American climate scientist and globally recognized climate researcher. Since 2017, he has served as the Samuel A. Graham Dean and Professor at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor caught up with Overpeck to discuss where we stand with climate change today.

A globally recognized climate researcher with the University of Michigan says the U.S. lags behind countries that have embraced solar and renewable energy over fossil fuels. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

Scientists, almost unanimously, cite climate change as an existential threat. There are differing opinions as to when we will reach a tipping point of no return. With the new federal administration attempting to roll back climate policies and funding for programs and research, what will happen next? WEMU's David Fair and Michigan Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak find out in their conversation with Julia Cole, Chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.

Renewable energy projects could lose their power to go around local zoning laws under bills that passed Wednesday in the Michigan House. Colin Jackson has more.

“Our Power, Our Planet” is the theme for Earth Day 2025, and a number of diverse environmental topics will be championed locally. Among them, grassroots organization Ann Arbor for Public Power (A2P2), which continues its crusade for a greener public utility within the city. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor talks with A2P2 President Greg Woodring about their efforts to advocate for a more climate-friendly energy source.

Ann Arbor city operations are now powered by 70% renewable energy — a significant jump over the past five years. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has put her proposed budget before the state Legislature, and it includes a significant investment in environmental initiatives. The state Legislature is now divided, and it's unclear what the final version of the budget will look like. Additionally, there is uncertainty from the federal level as what kind of money will be allocated to support protections and clean-ups. WEMU's David Fair spoke with 15th District State Senator Jeff Irwin of Ann Arbor about how things are playing out in Lansing.

A group in Ypsilanti is looking to bring solar energy to low-income neighborhoods. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.