environment

The Bird Center of Michigan continues to grow in scope and impact. It was created as the Bird Center of Washtenaw County in Ann Arbor back in 2004 but changed to the Bird Center of Michigan and moved to Saline in 2021. The center not only aids birds, wildlife and the environment, it creates educational and personal growth opportunity through some unique programs. WEMU's David Fair talked with Clinic Manager Marissa Jardine about the center's impact.

A new energy policy proposal from Michigan House Republicans would get rid of the state’s plans to use only clean energy sources by the end of the next decade. Colin Jackson has more.

After decades of local effort, the Environmental Protection Agency has designated the Gelman plume in Ann Arbor and Scio Township as a Superfund Site. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The Michigan Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday that could help determine the future of a controversial pipeline that runs through the Straits of Mackinac. We have more from Rick Pluta.

While we work on big, community environmental initiatives and goals, we have to remember that sometimes it’s the small, everyday choices we make at home that add up to a big difference. Washtenaw County has robust reuse and recycle programs. With the growing amount of electronics in our lives, we are often left with decisions to make about how best to get rid of those items. WEMU's David Fair talked with Washtenaw County Public Works Director Theo Eggermont about our options and the kind of difference our choices can make.

The Michigan Supreme Court will hear arguments today in two cases that could help determine the future of plans to bury a section of an oil and natural gas liquids pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac. We have more from Rick Pluta.

State officials say they’re looking for answers as to whether more could have been done to track and prepare for storms and tornadoes last week that caused at least four deaths. We have more from Rick Pluta.

Ann Arbor City Council recently approved contributions to its first project in its innovative Bluebelt initiative. The Bluebelt program is a supplement and extension of the city’s Greenbelt land preservation program. It aims to improve area water quality. Now, in partnership with Washtenaw County and Scio Township, Ann Arbor is purchasing the Davenport Property just west of the city, along Mill Creek. That will add 79 acres of woods, wetlands and farmland. WEMU's David Fair got an update on the Bluebelt program with Ann Arbor Land Acquisition Specialist, Rosie Pahl Donaldson.

The EPA has reversed the so-called "endangerment finding". It is the legal basis for the nation's federal effort to combat climate change. The White House says it led to over-regulation and is costing people money. Scientists and researchers worry about the setbacks it may cause. WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak explored these issues with the Holcim Professor of Sustainable Enterprise at the University of Michigan, Andy Hoffman.

A bill introduced in the Michigan Senate could end any plans to expand the Arbor Hills Landfill in Salem Township. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.