LANSING – Approval of the Great Lakes Compact along with new or renewed efforts to increase the use of alternative energy, boost recycling and control imports of trash were all part of a package of environmental initiatives outlined by Michigan Senate Republicans at a press conference on Wednesday.
But in outlining the proposals, Republicans also rejected some ideas like adding a tipping fee to cover the cost of waste collection and increased recycling efforts. Sen. Patty Birkholz (R-Saugatuck) said a tipping fee would hurt small businesses.
However, the package does provide for a fee assessed out-of-state waste that comes into Michigan, which Sen. Randy Richardville (R-Frenchtown Twp.) said could raise as much as $8 million, some of which could go towards promoting recycling.
At least in terms of the water package, one top environmentalist said the package was troubling because it could open some state waterways to diversions.
Many of the initiatives outlined in the package have been around for some time, and in some cases have been introduced as legislation before, such as some of the proposals to promote recycling.
And other states in the Great Lakes region have already acted on the Great Lakes Compact to control the possibility of water diversions from the Great Lakes basin.
But speaking at the press conference held in a forest diorama at the Michigan Historical Center, Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Rochester) said the package shows the determination of Senate Republicans to “show support for the vast Michigan natural resources.”
Starting the package now, which the Senate GOP is calling its Green Initiative, was spurred in part by the comments of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, who is running for the Democratic nomination for president, that a national water policy is needed that could allow for some sharing of water resources. After the comments were attacked by other Democrats, Mr. Richardson dropped them.
But Birkholz said: “Let me kid you not, there are many thirsty states and thirsty nations and they want our water.”
The compact would help control any new diversions from the Great Lakes, she said, and the package includes other measures to test septic systems and allow for instant checks of the potential harm of any water diversions.
The package also calls for creation of a recycling advisory council to help Michigan improve its position as one of the worst states in the nation in terms of recycling. Sen. Cameron Brown (R-Fawn River Twp.) said the council will be critical to develop new strategies because it will extend beyond the life of term-limited legislators.
A very important goal of the council will be to develop a funding source to help promote recycling.
Brown was part of the effort several years ago to institute similar proposals promoting recycling but that package stalled in the Legislature.
However, the recycling package will include a new effort to promote recycling of electronics by banning their disposal in landfills.
The package also calls for a new inspection program for out-of-state waste sorting facilities, which Richardville said will help ensure that unacceptable waste is not brought into the state. The package will also require waste to be removed by the shippers if it turns out the waste includes refuse not permitted in state sites, he said.
And the package will also call for more efforts to develop and use energy generated by renewable sources, with a call on the state to use more renewable energy and help create a demand for the service.
James Clift of the Michigan Environmental Council, said that while his organization wants to see the Great Lakes Compact enacted, it also wants the state to take a greater leadership role.
The package is troubling, he said, because it could mean as many as one-third of the rivers in the state would available for water withdrawals. If the people living along the rivers realized the potential for those withdrawals then they would likely oppose the bills, he said.
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