Lame Duck Action Expected in the State House during the Week of December 10
This week, the Michigan State Senate approved by a 23-14 vote a bill that punches gaping holes in the state’s water defenses. Senate Bill 1211 now goes to the State House for a vote during the week of December 10. The legislation removes state legal protection from vast areas of wetlands, lakes, and streams, according to a Michigan Department of Environmental analysis:
Approximately 380,000 wetlands, totaling 550,000 acres are at risk.
At least 4,200 of the 11,000 lakes in Michigan are at risk.
Approximately 21,600 miles of the 36,000 miles of streams in Michigan are at risk.
If you are concerned about protection of these vital public trust resources, we encourage you to immediately contact members of the House Committee on Michigan Competitiveness, where the Senate Bill 1211 has been referred, and your state representative immediately.
Gov Snyder veto bill #1121 and save our wetlands!
My wife and I are strongly opposed to the current legislation which removes critical protection for wetland areas.
This legislation has nothing to do with “the little guy” and everything to do with developers and money making.
Trying to ramrod this through in a lame duck session, highlights all that is wrong with our political system.
The great state of Michigan is unique and attracts people as well as wildlife, because of it’s many parks, woods and diverse natural areas, including wetlands. Sandhill Cranes are practically celebrities in the area, and we’re going to take away habitat because a few people had to fight about whether or not they could build a garage?!
These laws were likely in place (since 1979) when people bought their land and there’s no reason to change them now.
A few decades from now, after we’ve trashed all the natural areas and contaminated the worlds largest supply of fresh water, we can all look back and explain to our grandkids what the hell happened. Disgraceful.
Actually, the Planet doesn’t need us at all, we’re the ones who need it and it’s resources….so after we ruin them all, WE’RE the ones who are going to become extinct.
We urge you to vote against removing protections for our wetlands!
Sincerely,
Mark and Antje Duykers
2201 Cobblestone Creek Dr
Pinckney, MI 48169