LANSING – Rep. Andy Dillon (D-Redford) praised Governor Jennifer M. Granholm for winning a compromise and signing into law a legislative package aimed at protecting the Great Lakes that, for the first time, protects our water from large-scale withdrawals.
"We have to protect our Great Lakes and waterways because they are our most precious natural resource," Dillon said. "The Governor gave us tools we can use to keep our Great Lakes, rivers and streams safe. Our water defines Michigan and who we are. This is the major step we need to ensure protection for our water and our way of life."
Until today, Michigan was the only Great Lakes state that had virtually no protections for its water. The signing puts Michigan in compliance with the Great Lakes Charter that was drawn up more than 20 years ago. The Governor signed into law a water-protection package – embraced by environmental, conservation, industry and farm groups – that stems large-scale withdrawals. The package, among other things:
- Provides a statutory framework for preventing adverse environmental impacts from large-quantity water withdrawals.
- Provides additional protections against the diversion of water outside the Great Lakes Basin by pipeline, canal, tunnel, aqueduct, or similar means.
- Requires public input opportunities for Michigan citizens regarding any proposed diversion outside the basin.
- Promotes water efficiency by requiring sectors of large-scale water users to develop best practices for water conservation.
- Improves reporting requirements for large-scale water users to provide for better management of our water resources.
- Seriously restrict companies that want to bottle up and sell our Great Lakes for profit in other states.
- Establish tougher penalties for those who put our Great Lakes in danger.
The package does not address the sale of water outside the Great Lakes Basin through the export of bottled water for profit.
House Democrats have proposed a plan to further protect Michigan's Great Lakes and other freshwater supplies. The plan would:
"We mean business when it comes to protecting our water," Dillon said. "Our water is not for sale and we will continue to fight for tougher laws that will further protect the Great Lakes and waterways."
"Michigan's bountiful water resources fuel our economy and define our character," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "It is our most vital resource and its preservation and protection is far too important to be left to future generations. I applaud the efforts of Rep. Dillon for helping lead the fight to protect our water."