LANSING – State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) announced today that the House officially introduced its bold plan to protect Great Lakes water – Michigan's most precious natural resource – from being diverted and sold for profit to other states and nations.
"The 'Great Waters, Great Michigan' package will give a boost to our economy because agriculture, manufacturing and tourism, our state's three biggest industries, rely heavily on healthy Great Lakes water," Ebli said. "As lawmakers, it's our job to do everything we can to jumpstart Michigan's economy and protect the quality of life we enjoy here – and that's why the House is working diligently to advance this legislation."
The package strengthens environmental protections, requires large-scale users to adopt tougher conservation practices, and gives citizens the ability to hold companies accountable for violating water protection laws.
"In this day and age, Michigan is the envy of many states, countries and private companies," said Ebli, whose bill would provide for the ratification of a compact banning diversions of water outside of the Great Lakes Basin. "What we cherish the most is at risk. Thirsty Southwestern states covet our water, and companies want to bottle up and ship off our water for profit. This plan will shut the door on those who want to take our water. We are the Great Lakes State, and we intend to see that it stays that way."
The package toughens standards for companies that try to bottle up and sell off Great Lakes and Michigan water for profit, and strengthens water protection standards by requiring state approval for withdrawals above 1 million gallons per day, down from 2 million gallons per day.
Now that the package has been introduced, committee hearings on the bills will begin.