LANSING – State Rep. Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Township) today applauded a package aimed at protecting the Great Lakes that, for the first time, will regulate large-scale water withdrawals. He said he will continue to fight for even more protections against large-scale water diversions for profit.
"This is an important step toward protecting our Great Lakes and other water supplies for our children and for future generations to enjoy," Gonzales said. "We cannot leave our greatest natural resource vulnerable and I will keep fighting to further protect our lakes and rivers."
The House on Thursday passed a water protection package – embraced by environmental, conservation and farm groups – that regulates large scale withdrawals and helps protect the environment. The package does not address the sale of water outside the Great Lakes Basin through the export of bottled water for profit.
Democrats pledged to continue the fight to further protect Michigan's Great Lakes and other freshwater supplies. They have proposed a plan to:
- Seriously restrict companies that want to bottle up and sell our Great Lakes for profit in other states;
- Establish tougher penalties for those who put our Great Lakes in danger; and
- Give local communities a voice in any proposals to divert Great Lakes water.
"Genesee County families have enjoyed the Great Lakes and our many rivers for generations," Gonzales said. "This package ensures that our lakes and rivers will be protected from thirsty southwestern states and those who will bottle our water for profit."