About Us :: EMEAC

About EMEAC

East Michigan Environmental Action Council (EMEAC) began as a response in the 1960's to environmental concerns in southeast Michigan. Algae blooms were choking out life in Great Lakes and inland waters. Household and industrial wastes were piling up in landfills. Air pollutants were becoming a health issue in many urban neighborhoods and highways and buildings were covering up wetlands and open areas at the urban fringe.

Several groups joined together forming EMEAC to consider what they could do to resolve these problems and to influence southeast Michigan's environmental policies. A cornerstone of EMEAC's formation was the belief that informing the public about environmental issues would lead to solutions to environmental problems. Founding members and staff established an organization that would always predicate its public information and advocacy on careful research. With the help of our members' continuing support and enthusiasm, EMEAC will continue to pursue its mission: "to protect and restore land, air, water, and diversity of life through informed personal and public action."

For almost fifty years, EMEAC has been working in the legislature, in the courts, in township halls and in schools. We played a role in the enactment of most of Michigan's environmental laws. We have used those laws in court to protect air and water quality, wetlands, natural areas, farmlands and wildlife. We have drafted regulations for local governments and have provided public information and environmental education opportunities throughout southeast Michigan.

Diana Copeland, Executive Director
Lottie Spady, Associate Director (ReMedia lead team)
Ahmina Maxey, Associate Director (environmental justice policy lead team)
Lizzy Baskerville, Greener Schools Director
Suzanne McGill, Office Manager
Alisha Deen, Policy Director
Ife Kilamanjaro, Greener Schools Coordinator
Kim Shirobe, Community Partners Coordinator
William Copeland, Youth Coordinator
Priscilla Dzubeck, Senior Engagement Coordinator
Sanaa Niajoy, Multicultural Environmental Science and Arts Lab Coordinator
Dione Robinson, Community Environmental Fellow, ReMedia

Christine Hartwig, Chair
Barbara Pepper, Secretary
Pat Dobosenski, Treasurer
Coco Bruner - Independent Filmmaker
Diane Cheklich - Independent Producer and Director
Alfred Defreece - Learning Through Internship Coordinator and University of Michigan PhD Candidate
Barbara Hoey - Public School Secretary
Hugh McDiarmid Jr. - Environmental Journalist
Lisa Oliver-King - Executive Director, Our Kitchen Table
Dr. Mike Spencer - University of Michigan professor