LANSING – The Michigan House of Representatives today adopted a resolution introduced by State Representative Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores) that calls on the U.S. Congress to enact a comprehensive energy plan to move our country toward independence from foreign oil, while also protecting the Great Lakes from oil drilling.
"Increasing the production of home-grown energy is essential to breaking our dependence on foreign oil," Valentine said. "The best way to do that is to increase the production of renewable energy both in Michigan and across the nation. The Great Lakes account for 20 percent of the world's fresh water. Allowing drilling within or underneath the Great Lakes puts them at risk – a risk that we simply must not take."
Valentine's resolution supports a comprehensive approach to reducing the country's dependence on foreign oil in an environmentally sustainable manner. It urges Congress to use a mix of strategies, including renewable fuels, efficiency measures and expanded domestic oil production. However, the plan stresses that drilling within or underneath the Great Lakes must not be allowed.
"Our Great Lakes are a driving force in Michigan's economy," Valentine said. "Tourism is our third-largest industry, and it's driven by our beautiful lakes and other natural areas. Drilling in the Great Lakes will leave them vulnerable to accidents that could devastate our tourism industry, as well as agriculture and manufacturing. I urge Congress to search for energy solutions while protecting our Great Lakes."