LANSING - In a historic move that will maintain Michigan's status as the Great Lakes State for generations to come, State Representative Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Township) today announced a bipartisan compromise that was reached on a water withdrawal package that will shield Michigan's lakes and streams from overuse while protecting the bottom line of farmers and businesses.
"This bipartisan compromise will ensure that our most precious natural and economic resources will remain safe and strong," said Gonzales. "The Great Lakes, inland lakes, and streams are not only an essential part of our quality of life here in Michigan, but they are also a driving economic force in our state, providing for thousands of jobs in the shipping, agriculture, tourism and manufacturing industries. This plan is truly a victory for the citizens of Michigan."
The compromise will:
Protect Michigan's unique and popular trout streams by preventing withdrawals that would cause more than a 3 percent reduction in the stream's thriving fish population.
Require a review of water withdrawals of 1 million gallons per day or more in areas of sensitive water resources.
Ensure that new standards for protecting against adverse resource impact will be in effect by Feb. 1, 2009
State Representative Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor), Chair of the House Great Lakes and Environment Committee, and State Senator Patty Birkholz (R-Saugatuck Township), Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee, have worked together for months toward a comprehensive and bipartisan plan to protect Michigan's water.
Groups supporting the compromise include the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Manufacturers Association, Michigan Farm Bureau, the Michigan Environmental Council, Clean Water Action and the Sierra Club.