LANSING – House Democrats on Wednesday will follow up on their recent announcement and officially introduce their bold plan to 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" package 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.
"Twenty percent of the world's fresh water surrounds our state," said Speaker Pro Tempore Michael G. Sak
(D-Grand Rapids), the lead sponsor of the package. "The three biggest industries in Michigan –
agriculture, manufacturing and tourism – depend heavily on healthy Great Lakes water. Our culture and heritage are
defined by our lakes, rivers and streams. Our message is clear: Our water is not for sale."
The House 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 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 .
"In this day and age, Michigan is the envy of many states, countries and private companies," said State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe). "What we cherish the most is at risk. Thirsty Southwestern states covet our water, and companies want to bottle up and ship off our water for profit. This plan will shut the door on those who want to take our water. We are the Great Lakes State, and we intend to see that it stays that way."
Other bill sponsors include State Representatives Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard), Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores), Terry Brown (D-Pigeon), Andy Coulouris (D-Saginaw), Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor), Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee), Kathleen Law (D-Gibraltar) and Mark Meadows (D-East Lansing).