ADVOCACY

2010 Ballot Initiative to Further Restrict Non-Ferrous Mining in Michigan

The Michigan Save Our Water Committee has drafted language for a 2010 ballot initiative to further restrict non-ferrous mining in Michigan (Part 632 Non-Ferrous Mining Regulations and Process).  Supporters say the ballot measure calls for tougher laws to protect the Great Lakes, inland lakes, rivers and the rest of the environment from contamination caused by some types of mining.  Under the proposed legislation, sulfide and other types of mines would have to be located at least 2,000 feet away from any lake, river or stream. In other words - nowhere.

The Lake Superior Community Partnership strongly opposes this proposed legislation. We believe that this proposal, created by a group based in Grosse Pointe, would negatively affect the Upper Peninsula’s economy and thwart the creation of family sustaining jobs.  The LSCP also believes that the decision to restrict or allow mining in the Upper Peninsula should be made by those of us who live here, not by a special interest group from the Lower Peninsula.

It’s true that Upper Michigan’s natural beauty is one of our greatest treasures, and no one cares more about the preservation of our lakes, rivers, and streams than those of us who live around them. However, we also recognize that our natural resources are the economic life blood that allows our communities to exist among these pristine amenities. 

In a state whose economic climate is withering away precious jobs, the last thing Michigan can afford to do is stifle the growth of family sustaining employment. We also cannot afford to needlessly eliminate existing positions tied to non-ferrous mining.  Turning away viable business, job growth, and the generation of tax revenue is not the answer to the economic condition of the Upper Peninsula and the State of Michigan.

A Ballot Question on Whether to Convene a Constitutional Convention

http://www.michamber.com/mx/hm.asp?id=concon

Michigan Business Ombudsman Office

http://ref.themedc.org/cm/attach/acdbceb7-513c-4bcd-ac7e-8d4ffcad15dd/MichiganBusinessOmbudsman.pdf