ABOUT DR. TONY REAMES:
Dr. Tony Reames teaches at the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability. He focuses on environmental justice and has created the Urban Energy Justice Lab and the Energy Equity Project. He also directs the Detroit Sustainability Clinic.
In the Biden-Harris Administration, he worked as Deputy Director for Energy Justice at the U.S. Department of Energy, where he set up the first Office of Energy Justice Policy and Analysis.
Dr. Reames has a diverse academic background, holding degrees in engineering and social sciences. His research looks into how people of different races and classes access clean and affordable energy. He earned his Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of Kansas and is a licensed professional engineer and a U.S. Army veteran.
ABOUT LISA WOZNIAK:
Lisa Wozniak has over 20 years of experience in environmental and conservation advocacy. She is known for her work in expanding non-profit organizations and protecting the Great Lakes. Lisa earned three degrees from the University of Michigan, including a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees in social work and education.
She also co-hosts the ‘1st Friday Focus on the Environment’ on 89.1 WEMU.
TRANSCRIPTION:
David Fair: Welcome to February’s edition of WEMU’s First Friday Focus on the Environment. Energy costs are a rising concern for many in Michigan, especially with a cold winter. Joining us to discuss is Lisa Wozniak from the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.
Lisa Wozniak: Hi Dave! Energy costs have definitely been a hot topic lately. We have Dr. Tony Reames here to help us understand these issues better. Welcome, Dr. Reames!
Dr. Tony Reames: Thanks for having me!
David Fair: Dr. Reames, your work focuses on energy equity. With all the political debates around this term, how would you define energy equity?
Dr. Tony Reames: Great question! Energy equity means ensuring everyone has fair access to energy services, can participate in decisions about energy, and works to repair the damage caused by inequities in our current energy system.
Lisa Wozniak: So, Dr. Reames, how does Michigan fare in terms of energy equity in 2025?
Dr. Tony Reames: When I arrived in Michigan in 2014, I saw a vibrant community engaged in energy issues. There’s activism for renewable energy and energy efficiency. However, many households lack the information about assistance programs available to them. This makes our energy system feel inequitable, especially during the cold months.
David Fair: DTE just implemented a significant rate hike. Should we view energy insecurity alongside food and housing insecurity?
Dr. Tony Reames: Absolutely. Energy insecurity means people have to choose between heating their homes or buying food. It’s a serious issue that impacts health and well-being.
Lisa Wozniak: When we talk about utility companies in Michigan, how do they measure up in terms of affordability and preventing shutoffs?
Dr. Tony Reames: Michigan utilities are average when compared to others in the Great Lakes region. Advocacy for low-income energy programs is increasing, but challenges remain in ensuring equitable participation.
Lisa Wozniak: There’s been a push for community control over energy, like what’s happening in Ann Arbor. Will these moves improve energy equity and reliability?
Dr. Tony Reames: Yes! Community-owned energy can provide more equitable access to resources. Initiatives like those in Ann Arbor show the potential for empowering localities in their energy futures.
David Fair: Renewable energy sources are reportedly cheaper. How can we ensure low-income communities benefit from this shift?
Dr. Tony Reames: Ideally, we should treat housing as critical energy infrastructure. Retrofitting and weatherizing homes can significantly reduce energy waste and costs for low-income families. Programs available now, like those from the Inflation Reduction Act, aim to assist in this transition.
Lisa Wozniak: With recent challenges to climate programs, what kind of impact might these changes have on communities?
Dr. Tony Reames: If programs are rolled back, the communities that will suffer the most are those already disadvantaged. We need to recognize and address historical injustices in our energy systems.
David Fair: Thank you, Dr. Reames, for sharing your insights today!
Dr. Tony Reames: It’s been a pleasure, thank you!
David Fair: That’s Dr. Tony Reames from the University of Michigan. Lisa, I look forward to our next discussion in March!
Lisa Wozniak: Same here, David! Thanks!
David Fair: This is your community NPR station, 89 one WEMU FM. Thanks for joining us!
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