LANSING – State Representatives Andy Meisner (D-Ferndale), Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak) and Aldo Vagnozzi (D-Farmington/Farmington Hills) 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 House 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.
"The Great Lakes are an essential component to Michigan's economy and they provide many jobs for our residents," Meisner said. "Our plan is critical to protecting Michigan's most precious natural resource from being diverted and sold for profit."
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 who 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 two million gallons per day;
- Requires large-scale water users such as municipalities, utilities and others to implement water conservation practices; and
- 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.
"Michigan's Great Lakes make up 20 percent of the world's fresh water, and they are a special and valuable part of our heritage and culture," Donigan said. "However, today there is an increasing threat to our Great Lakes and the state's environment, and it is our responsibility to protect them. By enacting these measures to secure the future of the Great Lakes, all of Michigan's residents will be able to enjoy our greatest natural resource for generations to come."
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,[i] Lake Superior is 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[ii] on the Great Plains to sending water by tanker to Asia[iii].
"Michigan's Great Lakes and ecosystem are becoming increasingly fragile as more people rely on these natural resources every day," Vagnozzi said. "It is important for the future of Michigan that we are vigilant and closely monitor those who use our precious natural resources today. We are truly blessed to be surrounded by the Great Lakes, and this legislation will strengthen environmental protections, instill tougher conservation practices and hold companies accountable when they violate water protection laws."