LANSING – House Democrats today introduced a bold plan that will protect Great Lakes water – Michigan's
most precious natural resource – from being diverted and sold for profit to other states and nations. The "Great
Waters, Great Michigan" plan also strengthens environmental protections; requires large-scale users to adopt tougher
conservation practices; and gives citizens the ability to hold companies accountable for violating water protection
laws.
"More than any other state in the nation, Michigan is defined by the Great Lakes," said House Speaker Pro
Tempore Michael G. Sak (D-Grand Rapids), the lead sponsor of the package. "We have an incredible
responsibility to the people of Michigan to be good stewards of the largest source of fresh water on the planet. By
protecting the Great Lakes, and all of Michigan's water, we are protecting what makes us special."
The Democratic package:
- Ratifies the Great Lakes Basin Water Resources Compact, which will ban diversions of water outside of the Great Lakes Basin.
- Toughens standards for companies that try to bottle up and sell off Great Lakes and Michigan water for profit.
- Strengthens water protection standards by requiring state approval for withdrawals above 1 million gallons per day, down from 2 million gallons per day.
- Requires large-scale water users such as municipalities, utilities and others to implement water conservation practices.
- Gives the public additional tools to hold companies accountable when they violate water protection laws, and increases the maximum civil fine from $1,000 to $10,000 for most water use violations.
"The Great Lakes and our water define us – they are our heritage and culture," said State Representative
Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores). "They also are a
vital part of our economy. Our anglers and boaters alone contribute more than $2 billion annually in state revenue.
People come from around the country to enjoy a sunset on Lake Michigan or fish for lake trout in Lake Superior. It is
paramount that we protect the Great Lakes and hold accountable companies that want to sell off our most precious natural
resource for profit."
The Democrats' plan comes amid rising threats to the Great Lakes, including low water levels brought on
by global warming. According to a June 12 article in the Detroit News, water levels in Lake Superior are projected
to reach a record low of 22 inches below average in September, while Lake Michigan and Lake Huron also could see lows of
22 inches below average. Lake Erie could reach 12 inches below average, and Lake St. Clair could reach 17 inches below
average, according to the article. Low water levels force shipping companies to carry less freight per trip – a
cost that is passed on to consumers.
Meanwhile, within the next 10 years, 36 states expect water shortages, according to a 2003 Government
Accountability Office report. As more states and countries dry up, they will turn to the Great Lakes to replenish their
supplies. Over the years, proposals to use Great Lakes water have ranged from replenishing the Ogallala Aquifer on
the Great Plains to sending water by tanker to Asia .
"We must keep our water here in Michigan where it belongs," said State Representative Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor). "It is imperative that we
protect our water from becoming just another commodity to be siphoned off and sold for profit."
Democrats also noted that the three biggest industries in Michigan – agriculture, manufacturing and
tourism – depend heavily on healthy Great Lakes water.
"In order to fully protect our precious water resources we need to have full information regarding water
usage," said State Representative Mark Meadows
(D-East Lansing). "We also need to ensure that we have appropriate water conservation standards and proper
regulation of hydrologic impacts."
Other bill sponsors include State Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard), State Representative Terry Brown
(D-Pigeon), State Representative Andy Coulouris
(D-Saginaw) and State Representative Kathy Angerer
(D-Dundee).
"In this day and age, water is the new oil and Michigan is the envy of many other states, countries and even private companies," said State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe). "As the populations of thirsty Southwestern states continue to explode, we cannot allow them to put added pressure on the fragile and vital ecosystems of the Great Lakes. Our message is clear: Our water is not for sale."