wetlands

Data centers continue to be a major topic of discussion and community concern. Right here in Washtenaw County, there are at least four data center projects proposed or in development. Washtenaw County Commissioner Yousef Rabhi opposed tax incentives while he was a state legislator and even more have passed since his departure. WEMU’s David Fair caught up with Rabhi to discuss his positions on AI and the need for data centers.

Local advocates for protecting the Huron River are raising concerns about the potential environmental impact of a proposed University of Michigan–Los Alamos computational facility planned along the riverfront in Ypsilanti Township. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

2025 is wrapping up, and one of the primary issues raised over the past year is the proliferation and impacts of data centers. In 2026, we're likely to see some of these centers move toward becoming operational. Weighing economic benefit against potential environmental harm will continue, and there will be more vocal support and outrage for each proposed center. WEMU's David Fair got together with Washtenaw County Resiliency Office Director Beth Gibbons to try and compute the impact of data centers in Washtenaw County.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy held a virtual public hearing Thursday night regarding the proposed 250-acre Saline Township data center. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Many residents in Van Buren Township are making it clear they oppose a new data center at Haggerty and I-275. But, as WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports, it may be very difficult to stop.

Community members in Lodi Township and local officials are citing environmental concerns about sewage treatment plants being proposed for the area. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

The Huron Valley Chapter of the Michigan Botanical Society will host a discussion about a 50-year plan to restore and maintain a unique wetland ecosystem situated 14 miles north-northwest of Ann Arbor. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has more.

Webster Township has closed on a conservation easement purchase from the Peter Heydon Trust. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.

When it comes to our environment and natural resources, it's important to know how your tax dollars are being spent. Every five years, the Washtenaw…

Environmentalists contend the ongoing, lame-duck session of the state Legislature is proving detrimental to health of “Pure Michigan.” In the December…