The Senate Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee, chaired by Sen. Patty Birkholz (R-Saugatuck), has started hearings around the state on the issue of water regulation. Hearings have been held in Saugatuck, Gaylord and Centreville. Additional hearings will be added, with a southeast Michigan location slated for September.

"We are interested in hearing from our citizens their ideas to help conserve our waters," said Sen. Birkholz. "Legislation is in place to allow us to take additional steps to safeguard our waters while still preserving access to groundwater resources, but we need local input in order to decide what those steps will be."

Sen. Birkholz has stated that she hopes to formulate and move legislation before the end of the year. MEC has shared with the committee our Great Lakes, Great Michigan Platform for protecting water resources and is encouraging its members to meet with their elected officials to stress the importance of standing up for Michigan's water before it's too late.

Opponents are arguing that Michigan does not need any regulations of its water resources.


Great Lakes, Great Michigan Platform in brief

1. CREATE A FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE

Require state approval and permits for large water users

2. PROTECT NATURAL RESOURCES

Close a legal loophole that threatens smaller lakes, streams and wetlands

3. PREVENT SALE OF GREAT LAKES WATER

Prohibit private sale of water without legislative approval

4. ADOPT FAIR VETO GUIDELINES

Create a fair public process for governor to veto water loss

5. PROMOTE CONSERVATION

Enact state water conservation or stewardship certification

6. COLLECT MORE ACCURATE INFORMATION

Improve data collection