November 9, 2005

Urges Legislature to Complete Work on Comprehensive Water Protections

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today received the Guardian of the Great Lakes Award from Clean Water Action of Michigan for her outstanding leadership in protecting Michigan’s water.  Granholm was presented the award at a ceremony in Lansing this afternoon.
 
“The Great Lakes are our heart in Michigan,” Granholm said in accepting the award.  “I am honored to receive an award for such a critical cause, and I thank the outstanding environmental leaders who work everyday to ensure that our magnificent natural resources are protected from generation to generation.”
 
In accepting the award, Granholm pledged to continue her efforts to enact comprehensive water protections, including strict regulation of water withdrawals in Michigan.  More than two years ago, the Governor proposed the Water Legacy Act that would help the state fulfill a 20-year-old commitment under the Great Lakes Charter to protect the lakes from diversion.  Recently, legislation to regulate water withdrawals was introduced in the state Senate and hearings are occurring this week.
 
“The time for action to protect Michigan’s water is now,” said Granholm.  “I am confident that the work being done by the Legislature and my administration will produce a comprehensive bill that protects the public trust and clearly addresses and defends against diversion.”
 
The Guardian of the Great Lakes Award is Clean Water Action’s highest honor and is given each year to a public official who has demonstrated strong leadership on environmental protection issues.  In addition to her work on water withdrawal, the Governor was honored for efforts to fight weakening federal rules on mercury emissions, for her support of the regulation of ballast water, and her prohibition against the open water disposal of contaminated sediments.