Protecting Michigan’s world-class water resources from withdrawal and depletion.

Weaning the state from its $20 billion imported fuel habit.

Reducing children’s exposure to toxic pesticides and lawn chemicals at home and in schools and day care facilities.

Those are among the key environmental challenges that will define Gov. Jennifer Granholm and new legislators from both political parties during the coming term, say leaders of the Michigan Environmental Council.

“During the past term, Governor Granholm, with the help of key Democratic and Republican colleagues in the House and Senate, has laid the groundwork to rebuild a strong environmental protection ethic in this state,” said Lana Pollack, president of the Michigan Environmental Council. “The next four years will determine whether these lawmakers build a legacy on that foundation, or squander it.”

Among the key issues facing the governor and legislature:

• Ratification of the Great Lakes Compact, an eight-state agreement that solidifies laws and rules regarding use and diversion of Great Lakes water. The compact is key to protecting the lakes – which hold 18 percent of the world’s fresh surface water.
• A proposed state energy plan, due at year’s end, which ought to include energy efficiency and goals for wind, solar and other renewable power. Aggressive goals will help the state’s businesses and individual ratepayers climb out from under the financial burden of $20 billion in imported coal and oil each year.
• The need to steer away from poisonous pesticides that put children at risk in schools, day care centers and on chemically treated lawns. Legislative action can incorporate safer pest-management practices where poisons are a last resort.

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