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"Pure Michigan" at risk due to budget cuts at DNRE
Source: State of Michigan Executive Budget, FY2011
Michigan sells its natural beauty to the rest of the country through its "Pure Michigan" tourism campaign. Michigan has a long history of environmental and conservation innovation and leadership. Unfortunately, in recent years, that dedication has weakened, and investment has faded.
Improve the quality of our state's most valuable economic and natural resource
Source: University of Notre Dame's Center for Aquatic Conservation
Located in the center of the planet's greatest freshwater resource, Michigan has a unique role as steward and caretaker of the majestic Great Lakes. They contain almost 20 percent of the world's fresh surface water, and Michigan is the only state entirely within their basin. The rivers, streams, ponds and groundwater that are the Lakes' lifeblood are also the backbone of the Michigan economy, essential to the health of its ecosystems and vital to our very identity as Michiganders. Unfortunately, our water resources are at continuing risk.
Protecting Michigan children's health and growing our economy through green chemistry
Michigan is only as strong as its next generation. That's why Michigan legislators must be forceful advocates for the health and safety of children, especially children in economically disadvantaged areas who are typically exposed to higher levels of pollutants.
Childhood Asthma Prevalence (ages 0–17)
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics
This can be accomplished through laws limiting chemicals and pollutants linked to afflictions like childhood asthma, obesity, autism, learning disabilities and cancers.
Many of our laws and protections, however, are outdated, ineffective and have not kept pace with a new generation of scientific and health research.
Clean energy means Michigan jobs
Investing in Michigan-made clean energy will inject prosperity into our economy and stimulate
new job growth throughout the state. Global demand for clean energy products is skyrocketing. By positioning ourselves as leaders in advanced-battery technology, solar component manufacturing and wind turbine production, Michigan businesses will cultivate global markets.
In Michigan, we import 100% of our coal, 100% of our uranium, 97% of our petroleum and 80% of our natural gas. This amounts to more than $26 billion being permanently shipped out of the Michigan economy annually.1 Homegrown clean energy ventures will produce jobs here in Michigan and keep that money circulating locally.
Michigan Winter 2009 Newsletter
In this issue:
- Clean Water Action's 2009 Legislative Agenda
- A Look Back at 2008
- Former Clean Water Action Staffer Sarah Roberts Wins State Representative Race
Get the complete newsletter (pdf, 2.4MB)
Michigan Fall 2008 Newsletter
In this issue:
- Protect Michigan's Water: Vote Environment on November 4th
- Barack Obama for President
- Clean Water Action's 2007-2008 Legislative Scorecard (pdf)
- Together We Can Elect Strong Voices for Michigan's Future
- The Michigan Supreme Court and Your Environmental Rights
Get the complete newsletter (pdf, 1.4MB)
Michigan Summer 2008 Newsletter
Stories in this issue:
- Energy Campaign to Pressure Senate
- House Passes Legislation to Protect Kids; Fate in Hands of the Senate
- Progress, But Not Final Victory for Michigan’s Water in 2008
- Former Michigan Director Promoted to Head National Communications Department
- Former Clean Water Action Staffer Jennifer Alvarado Heads Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association
Get the Summer 2008 newsletter (pdf, 2.1MB)
Don't Privatize The Water: Keeping Michigan's Waters in Public Hands
In this report, we:
Wasting Our Water Wonderland
Releases of untreated or partially treated sewage and industrial wastes threaten our water, beaches, health and overall quality of life.
Get the report, October 2001 (pdf, 139 KB)
Other Publications
Chesapeake Currents|online, Summer 2010
Anacostia Restoration Fund Survives Threat of Budget Grab
Chesapeake Currents|online, Summer 2010
Last year, with the help of Clean Water Action members, the District set up a new fund supported by a fee on plastic and paper bags to help restore the Anacostia River and other District waterways. However, within a few months, this fund was threatened by proposals to raid the money to support other programs. One of the many positive aspects of the legislation that imposed a fee on bags was that it would generate money for river clean-up efforts, and thus provide funding during challenging fiscal times.
Delaware News Source Illuminates Toxic Threat to Water Supply
Chesapeake Currents|online, Summer 2010
The Wilmington News Journal recently published a stellar expose on groundwater pollution in Delaware, and the region served by the Potomac Aquifer, the groundwater supply for significant portions of New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. Reporter Jeff Montgomery has covered the environment for years, and his devastating series of articles details serious threats to groundwater resources that support drinking water for many residents of Delaware and its neighbors.
The series reports:
Managing Water in the 21st Century
Chesapeake Currents|online, Summer 2010
Last fall and winter, Clean Water Fund worked with local allies in Prince William and Loudoun Counties to hold workshops on 21st Century approaches to managing our water resources. This fall, we will be organizing follow-up workshops that explore ways in which reducing water waste, including water re-use and other money-saving techniques, will help communities to develop sustainable water management practices.