July 20, 2005

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today praised the Senate Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs Committee for holding the first in a series of hearings across the state to allow citizens to express their views on how Michigan can best protect and preserve its water resources.

“Protecting Michigan’s Great Lakes is a critical priority for all of us,” said Granholm. “I appreciate the committee’s efforts in bringing this issue to the people of Michigan. We cannot afford to take a ‘wait and see’ approach. Now is the time for Michigan to reassert itself as a leader in protecting our Great Lakes.”

Governor Granholm recently issued an executive directive that places a moratorium on permits and approvals for new or increased bottled water operations in Michigan until the Legislature passes comprehensive water withdrawal legislation. The moratorium is designed to provide the state the opportunity to fully study the appropriateness and the impact water bottling facilities have on Michigan’s water resources.

“These hearings are the first step towards providing the state with the needed framework for managing the withdrawal of our Great Lakes water,” added Granholm. “I encourage the Legislature to continue this effort and live up to our commitment as stewards of the Great Lakes.”

The committee held its first meeting on the issue on July 14 in Saugatuck, and will follow up with meetings in Gaylord, Centreville, and Saginaw in the coming weeks.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised July 20, 2005 by Pat Watson