MEC and the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Education Fund officially released the 3rd edition of the Michigan Environmental Briefing Book at a legislative breakfast February 27.

The Briefing Book, assembled with the expertise of close to 20 organizations, offers an overview of the most urgent natural resource and community health issues facing Michigan, while remaining sensitive to the state's current fiscal limitations.

The Briefing Book is intended to provide information to the public, legislators, state officials and news media on a number of current environmental issues, with the caveat that views expressed on a particular issue are not necessarily shared by all MEC member groups or other participating organizations.

"Pursuing environmental protection is an undertaking of hope-an assurance that our rivers can be clean, our economy strong and our future securely founded on clean energy and communities filled with respect for our people and our resources," said Lisa Wozniak, director of the Michigan LCV Education Fund. "Open the Briefing Book to any page, and you'll find a plethora of problems that need to be addressed, but you'll also find solutions-creative, resourceful answers to the difficulties that plague our beautiful state."

Added Wozniak: "Fortunately, the voters of our state care deeply about our environment. Historically, they have voted in favor of every environmental ballot proposal ever put forward, demonstrating that they want cleaner air and water, open space and parks, forests and farms. Michiganders understand that life is better when we focus on the legacy we're leaving behind. Unfortunately, state and local leaders have not always heeded public concern for environmental protections. In our state capital, for example, millions of gallons of sewage from outdated systems still pour into the Grand River with each heavy rain."

For more information or to obtain a free copy of the Briefing Book, please contact Michele Scarborough at MEC (517) 487-9539 or Lisa Wozniak at LCV Education Fund (734) 327-7154.

This year, the following organizations contributed to the Briefing Book:

• American Lung Association of Michigan
  
• Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services
  
• Clean Water Action Fund
  
• Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice
  
• Ecology Center
  
• Lake Michigan Federation
  
• League of Conservation Voters Education Fund
  
• Michigan Environmental Council
  
• Michigan Land Use Institute
  
• Michigan League of Conservation Voters
  
• Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance
  
• Michigan United Conservation Clubs
  
• National Wildlife Federation
  
• Public Interest Research Group in Michigan
  
• Sierra Club, Mackinac Chapter
  
• Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
  
• Transportation Riders United