renewable energy

“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.

The Ann Arbor Board of Education will vote tonight on additional trade contracts for the construction of the new Mitchell Elementary School. As WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports, the facility will feature environmentally friendly improvements.

Energy costs are a significant problem for many in our community, and utility bills are going up everywhere. In this month's installment of “1st Friday Focus on the Environment”, we look at the issue of energy equity with Dr. Tony Reames. He is Director of the Detroit Sustainability Clinic at the University of Michigan's School for Environment and Sustainability. Dr. Reames joined WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak with an assessment of where we are on energy equity and where we're headed.

Ann Arbor will be building its first new fire station since 1981. Fire Station 4 near Washtenaw Avenue will be torn down and replaced with a carbon-neutral facility. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has more details.

One of the first bills introduced this year in the Michigan House would make exceptions for some Upper Peninsula natural gas power generators in the state’s clean energy law. Colin Jackson has more.

Renewable energy is becoming a bigger part of our lives. It is crucial to the carbon neutrality goals set forth by the City of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. For the time being, there are a number of tax credits and rebate incentives to electrify and make your home more efficient, but will it last in the second Trump term? WEMU's David Fair talked about what you can do now and what may lay ahead with the Chair of Efficiency and Electrification for the Ann Arbor Chapter of the Citizens' Climate Lobby, Rich Fein.

A new solar project being built in Washtenaw County is expected to generate enough electricity to power 15,000 to 20,000 homes every year. The White Tail Solar project will be built on farmland in York and Augusta Townships. Not only is the project going to help with Washtenaw County’s carbon neutrality goals, it is expected to generate well over $1 million in local tax revenue. WEMU's David Fair discussed the project and its impacts with Dick Cupka, chair of the York Township Planning Commission.