LANSING – In a historic move that will maintain Michigan's status as the Great Lakes State for generations to come, State Representative Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor) and State Senator Patty Birkholz (R-Saugatuck Township) today announced they have reached a compromise on a water withdrawal package that will shield Michigan's lakes and streams from overuse while protecting the bottom line of farmers and businesses.
"As protectors of 20 percent of the entire world's fresh surface water, the actions we take to preserve this great resource will have long-lasting, widespread impact," said Warren. "Michigan's Great Lakes, inland lakes, and streams play a vital role in our special way of life and are a driving economic force in our state, providing for thousands of jobs in the shipping, agriculture, tourism and manufacturing industries. This plan will keep our most precious natural and economic resource healthy and strong."
The compromise will:
- Protect Michigan's unique and popular trout streams by preventing withdrawals that would cause more than a 3 percent reduction in the stream's thriving fish population.
- Require a review of water withdrawals of 1 million gallons per day or more in areas of sensitive water resources.
- Ensure that new standards for protecting against adverse resource impact will be in effect by Feb. 1, 2009
"This is a great day for the Great Lakes and state residents," said Birkholz. "We started our journey toward water protection more than five years ago when we created the Groundwater Conservation Advisory Council. During that time, we have had one simple mission—to protect our waters, the water dependent natural resources and the rights of those who use water wisely. The agreement we have reached will help us accomplish this mission."
Warren, Chair of the House Great Lakes and Environment Committee, and Birkholz, Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee, have worked together for months toward a comprehensive and bipartisan plan to protect Michigan's water.
Groups supporting the compromise include the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Manufacturers Association, Michigan Farm Bureau, the Michigan Environmental Council, Clean Water Action and the Sierra Club.