PIRGIM — the Public Interest Research Group in Michigan — works hard to give the people of Michigan a voice for a range of critically important issues, especially those where powerful special interests stand in the way of reform. After careful thought and planning, we concluded the best way to advance all of our work — for consumers, good government and the environment — is to separate our organization into two distinct groups. On May 1, 2006, Environment Michigan became the new home of PIRGIM's environmental work. Meanwhile, PIRGIM continues to be a strong and independent voice for Michigan consumers on major issues like financial privacy, corporate abuses, government ethics and the high cost of energy. Both groups are now members of MEC.

In many ways, this step just acknowledges reality. So much of our recent work has been on environmental issues that many people already perceive us as an environmental group. Therefore, taking that work and putting it under a clear environmental banner is a logical step for us. Over time, we believe our environmental work will benefit from such clarity, and that PIRGIM's focus on consumer protection and good government will make it easier for people to understand, allowing PIRGIM to have a clear voice of its own.

Environment Michigan looks forward to building on the momentum generated by recent victories by launching our ambitious Million Acres Project, with a goal of permanently protecting one million acres of Michigan's most pristine forests and waterways from threats such as rampant development, sulfide mining, pollution from oil and gas drilling, and irresponsible logging. We will also continue to demonstrate that we can meet our energy needs through energy efficiency and home-grown renewables, not expensive new power plants that run on imported, dirty coal. Finally, we will build on our ongoing involvement to protect the Great Lakes from water diversions, mercury contamination, sewage dumping and a wide range of other threats.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our separation or any of our program areas. Check out the new web site — www.environmentmichigan.org — which includes contacts for program and citizen outreach staff. The main number for Environment Michigan is (734) 662-9797, and the general e-mail is info@environmentmichigan.org.

We look forward to working with you.