News

LANSING – State Representatives Michael G. Sak (D-Grand Rapids), Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores) and Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) 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 Democrats' 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 Sak, 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 and sell 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," Valentine said. "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 in 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 .

Democrats also noted that the three biggest industries in Michigan – agriculture, manufacturing and tourism – depend heavily on healthy Great Lakes water.

"Michigan is the Great Lakes State, and this plan will help ensure it stays that way," Dean said. "This plan will help safeguard our most precious natural resource – our water – for future generations to enjoy."