Michigan Lcv Newsletter – Spring 2007

Michigan League Update

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Spring 2007

Michigan League of Conservation Voters • 213 W. Liberty, Ste. 300, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 • Phone: 734.222.9650 • Fax: 734.222.9651

Contact Us! Mailing Address: 213 W. Liberty Street, Suite 300 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Phone: (734)222.9650 Fax: (734)222.9651 E-mail: [email protected]

Please become a Member of Michigan League of Conservation Voters By becoming a member you will help elect conservation-minded leaders and make the protection of our natural resources a priority with Michigan’s elected officials and voters. $5,000 + $1,000 - $4,900 $250 - $999

Conservation Champion Conservation Corps Conservation Circle

$100 - $249 $25 - $99

Contributor Member

Blog: www.MichiganLCV.org/blog

What is the best way to financially support Michigan LCV’s work? 1. Begin by making a contribution to become a member of Michigan LCV. 2. Once you are a member, donate to our Political Action Committee (PAC). 3. PAC contributions are the most useful and flexible funds Michigan LCV can accept because we can use these funds for direct political action. (Because of our political work, all gifts to Michigan LCV are non-tax deductible.)

Address Change? Please help us stay up-to-date by sending any mailing or e-mail address changes to [email protected].

Can Michigan LCV accept funds from a corporation or family foundation? Because donations to Michigan LCV support political action, we do not accept contributions from corporations except as sponsorship for specific events. We encourage foundations to contribute to the Michigan LCV Ed Fund, which is a 501c(3) organization which educates voters about critical environmental issues.

Websites: www.MichiganLCV.org www.MichiganLCVEdFund.org

MICHIGAN LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS 213 W. LIBERTY, SUITE 300 ANN ARBOR, MI 48104

Inside this issue:

Michigan Must Take the Lead on Water Withdrawal Regulations Great Lakes, Great Michigan 2007

Michigan’s Energy pg. 3

It’s well known, though often understated, that the Great Lakes are one of the things that make Michigan a wonderful place to live. The majestic coastline of mighty Lake Superior, the incomparable summer sunsets off the shores of Lake Michigan, and the quiet reflection of a walk down any one of the five lakes’ beaches are things that all Michiganders can relate to. However, most of us don’t realize that interests outside of Michigan don’t share these values. When it comes to protecting the Great Lakes from the threat of withdrawals and diversions, Michigan is the state with the most to lose. Michigan is the only state that rests entirely within the Great Lakes Basin. That means that all the rain, runoff, groundwater, wetlands, creeks and streams in the state eventually end up as water in one or more of the Great Lakes surrounding our beautiful state. With all of our water bound for one of the Lakes, it is critical that Michigan take the lead in ensuring that this incredible resource remain here and not be diverted to other states and countries that are drying up and in need of fresh water supplies.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Ann Arbor, MI Permit No. 423

Step it Up 2007 pg. 4

Green Business pg. 6

In 2005 , all the Governors from the eight Great Lakes states and the Prime Ministers from Quebec and Ontario met and signed an international agreement known as the Compact, setting standards for how Great Lakes water diversions will be managed and regulated. It is now up to the legislatures from these eight states and both Canadian provinces to pass state/ provincial laws that support the basic agreement. The Michigan League of Conservation Voters is working closely with a coalition of environmental organizations to ensure that Michigan’s legislature acts swiftly to pass the Compact agreement, along with implementing legislation to ensure that Michigan’s water stays in Michigan. Together these groups have rolled out a six plank legislative platform, which includes: 1.) Public Trust Extends to All Water. Affirm that all waters of the state are held in the public trust and cannot be owned by individuals or private entities. 2.) Prevent Adverse Impacts to Michigan’s Water and Wetlands. Create an assessment tool that clearly defines when a diversion will cause harm to a watershed.

www.MichiganLCV.org

Please see article continuation on Page 7.

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Michigan LCV 2007 Board of Directors

Budget Crisis a Looming Disaster for Michigan’s Natural Resources Notes from Executive Director Lisa Wozniak

The Michigan League of Conservation Voters (LCV) worked throughout the fall of 2006 to ensure that Michigan elected a pro-environment Governor, as well as strong pro-environment legislators to both the House and Senate. We celebrated many victories in the last election cycle, and we believed that the results of our work would be clearly visible in the 2007 legislative session.

William and Helen Milliken, Honorary Co-Chairs Shari Pollesch, President Irene Cahill, Vice President Mike Newman, Secretary Robert Matthews, Treasurer Lisa Wozniak with son Ben

Yet four months into 2007, there remains significant reason for concern over the state’s budget crisis and its impact on our natural resources. Decision-makers in Lansing have been dragging their feet in solving this critical problem, a problem that not only impacts our children’s education and essential services, but leaves Michigan’s land, air, and water resources at risk.

John Austin Kerry Duggan

Few Michiganders realize that if Michigan’s budget problems are not fixed soon, our state’s natural resources will essentially be left unprotected and unmonitored, vulnerable and ultimately damaged.

William Farr Budget cuts to programs that protect Michigan’s land, air and water could result in: Elizabeth Goodenough Tony Infante Dr. Daniel Luria

* Unanswered citizens’ pollution complaints. Companies could illegally discharge pollutants to the air or water with impunity. Manure discharges from factory farms would not be monitored.

Christine Manninen

*Reduced or eliminated beach monitoring. Beaches would be more vulnerable to bacterial pollution that puts children at risk, and monitoring programs that might alert the public to risks would be curtailed.

Lana Pollack

*Eliminated air quality monitoring of factories.

G. Hans Rentrop

*Eliminated air quality permits for businesses. Many manufacturers need the permits to operate, and without them construction of new facilities and expansions of existing plants would be impossible.

Chris Yates John Carver, Director Emeritus Michael D. Moore, Director Emeritus Joan Wolfe, Director Emeritus

The majority of Michiganders assume that approximately 10% of the state’s budget is spent protecting our water, air, parks, etc. Wrong! Over the past 15 years, funding for environmental protection has been cut to the bone. Funding for the Departments of Environmental Quality, Natural Resources and Agriculture combined account for less than 1.8 percent of the state’s budget (compared to corrections at 20%, health care at 32%, and higher education at 21%)1. Yet, somehow, in the midst of this budget crisis our Lansing decision-makers and the state tourism office believe that they can again sacrifice Michigan’s natural treasures to the funding chopping block, while at the same time promoting our state’s beauty and bounty as one of the top five vacation destinations in the country. Please see article continuation on Page 7.

A Big Thank You to Our Most Recent Donors!

Constance Andersen Margaret Applebee Mary Barcella Jose Barrera Barbara Bergman Joanie Binkow Bill Bobier Janis Bobrin Robert Borak Jon and Penny Boulton Theresa Brennan Mary and Donald Brown Bunyan and Jean Bryant Jonathan and Gertrude Bulkley Barbara Burns Thomas Butts John and Irene Cahill John and Patricia Carver Fred Charbonneau Ralph and Joyce Cobb Patrick Conlin Theda Connell Catherine Curran Ted and Marcia Curran Dan DelZoppo Edna DelZoppo Stanley and Elizabeth Dole Evan and Nell Dority Joan Dutton William and Kay Farr Nelson and Barbara Fuller Pamela Fulton Robert and Elizabeth Garner

Marcia Gershenson Beverly Ghesquiere Barbara Gilmore Weber Catherine Glorie Elizabeth and Gil Goodenough Virginia Griffith Marion Grout Robert and Pamela Guenzel Leah Gunn Marilyn Hagen Bob Halle Nancy and Tim Hammond James and Susan Hopson Loren and Lyn Houtman Holly Jennings Timothy Killeen William and Marietta Kusey Dixie and William Lahti Paula Leinbach Richard and Carol Leyshock Walter and Mary Ligon Glenn and Patricia Lottie Carol Lund Dan and Janet Luria Barry Matthews Jennifer Matthews Robert Matthews Jim Maturen Robert and Jane McElroy Fred McLane Rudolph Milasich G. Miller John Mitchell

Mark Mitchell Mike and Drew Moore Gordon and Vernie Nethercut John and Gwen Nystuen Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Ogilvie Joan and William Olsen William and Shirley Patterson John Pollack Simon and Phyllissa Ren Garrett Rentrop Gary and Sue Rentrop John and Kerry Richter Joseph and Dorothy Rink Richard and Jan Robb Kenneth Rosenman Dorothy Schobel James Schwantes Mary Sherzer Nancy Shiffler Gerald Solanics Fred and Deb Steketee David and Alison Swan Keith Taylor William Thomas Steven Thompson Bruce Wallace John and Sarah Weiss Jamie Weitzel George Wickstrom Diane Wilbur Larry Willey Will and Joan Wolfe Karl Zollner

Budget Crisis a Looming Disaster for Michigan... Continued from page 2 Call me crazy, but without necessary protections of Michigan’s natural resources, how will we have a beautiful and bountiful state left to promote? How can we expect folks to want to visit our state, if we don’t protect the attractions they exclusively want to see? If our decision-makers in Lansing really want to welcome visitors to “Pure Michigan”, a place where folks can find “hundreds of crystal clear lakes and thousands of rivers and streams….the world’s longest freshwater coastline….boating, fishing, golfing, camping, biking, hiking and touring….”2 then they must step up and ensure that vital protections of these resources are firmly in place. The state’s own DNR analysts calculate that for every $1 in state budget and fee support to their agency, $116 in revenue is generated by outdoor sports enthusiasts, nature lovers and tourists to Michigan’s natural attractions. Investment in our air, water and land makes sense for quality of life reasons and makes good economic sense for Michigan! Fast, dramatic and substantive action is needed NOW to safeguard our natural resources and public health in the face of Michigan’s continuing budget crisis. Michigan LCV is working hard to let legislators know that We expect our leaders to be thinking, planning and acting with Michigan’s long-term future in mind. We invite you to carry this message to your representatives, as well. 1 2

Recent research conducted by Heart of the Lakes. Check out http://www.michigan.org/travel

Michigan Must Take the Lead on Water Withdrawal Regulations Continued from page 1 3.) Meaningful Conservation. Develop meaningful conservation standards, which set a high bar to ensure ecosystems are protected for future generations. 4.) Licensing and Permitting. Reaffirm the public ownership of waters of the state by requiring permits for any commercial water packaging facility that is not a public water supply. 5.) Community Involvement. Elevate community involvement and public participation in water use decisions by allowing local governmental and citizen action. 6.) Investment in Michigan’s Waters through Restoration Initiatives. Require all waters of the state used by permit holders to be returned to the watershed from which it was taken. These measures, if adopted by the Michigan Legislature and signed by the Governor, will not only protect Michigan’s water from the threat of withdrawals and diversions, but will also show our neighboring states that we are serious about protecting all the water of the Great Lakes.

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Would you like to nominate a local Green Business for our spotlight?

Local Green Business Spotlight: ReCellular, Inc.

ReCellular, Inc., a cell phone recycling company located in Dexter, MI was established in 1991 and since then has expanded to become a leader in the electronics recycling industry. ReCellular expects to collect for reuse or recycling over 4 million cell phones in 2007. Since Americans are constantly replacing their cell phones, about 130 million phones end up in landfills or sitting in homes unused each year.

Is there a business in the state that is doing good, green work? Do you think they should be recognized for it? Drop us a line telling us why and we may feature them an upcoming newsletter! Send nominations to Elizabeth at [email protected]. To learn more about ReCellular’s programs and ways you can participate, visit our website at www.MichiganLCV.org.

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Mike Newman, ReCellular VP and MI LCV Board Member

ReCellular collects these phones as donations to charity organizations or as fundraising projects. They then test and refurbish useable phones for sale, often overseas. All unusable phones or components are sent to recycling companies. Through the efforts of ReCellular, millions of pounds of waste are diverted from landfills—including the heavy metals in the phone batteries, the plastics for the phone casings, and the paper products used to ship the phones. ReCellular is a socially and environmentally conscious business through each step of their process. Their efforts were acknowledged in Inc. Magazine's list of "The Green 50" companies in 2006. They monitor all of the companies they work with to ensure proper recycling methods are being used. This year, ReCellular plans to donate several million dollars to charities from their proceeds and send phones to Rwanda for use by rural health officials and teachers.

Take A Few Minutes and Urge congress to

protect the great lakes

WARNING: NO MORE SWIMMING NO MORE FISHING NO MORE DRINKING WATER

NO MORE GREAT LAKES

The Great Lakes hold one fifth of the world’s fresh water supply and provide drinking water to over 30 million people. Yet each day, our Lakes are damaged economically and ecologically by untreated sewage, industrial pollutants and invasive species. Unless we invest in a solution today, the price we will pay tomorrow will be much higher and future generations may never experience the Lakes as we know them. Fortunately there is a solution—you. You can sign a petition to urge Congress to pass the Great Lakes Collaboration Implementation Act, a comprehensive regional plan that dedicates funding to protect our drinking water, economic future and way of life. Log on to www.healthylakes.org to let your voice be heard.

Renewable Energy Michigan has it—will we use it?

Right now, there are bills pending in the Michigan legislature addressing the issue of long-term energy independence and global climate change. Leaders across the state understand that we can and should be doing more to aid in the global effort to reduce emissions of carbon based gases, which are contributing to climate change and poisoning our communities. Renewable energy not only makes sense for environmental reasons, but is a new and emerging global market, which promises to bring jobs to the state and boost Michigan’s defunct economy. The question remains, however; do lawmakers in Lansing have the political will to invest in our long-term economic health over the short-term gain of business as usual? Energy efficiency: the other side of the coin. To focus solely on the shift to the use of renewable energy resources without increasing our statewide energy efficiency would be folly. Reducing the amount of energy that we use is equally as important as a shift to wind and solar power generation. An energy efficiency program in Michigan that decreases our use of electricity and natural gas by 1% a year could save Michigan roughly $3 billion in electric costs over the next 20 years. That’s a lot of money that could remain in consumers’ checking accounts and help the state recover from the financial crisis that currently looms like a dark cloud over Lansing. YOU CAN HELP MAKE ENERGY A PRIORITY! Write to your State Representative, State Senator, and Governor Granholm today. Tell them that you support laws that mandate that 20% of Michigan’s Energy comes from renewable resources by the year 2020 and that Michigan needs to increase energy efficiency 1% a year in order to save money and protect the environment. For tips on writing to your state lawmakers, go to www.MichiganLCVEdFund.org, and click on the Voter Resources link. Your voice can make the difference in creating a more energy efficient and independent Michigan!

Michigan LCV Education Fund 2007 Board of Directors Mark Richardson, President James Clift, Vice President Heather Gott Becky Lameka Shari Pollesch

Michigan LCV and Michigan LCV Ed Fund Staff Brian Beauchamp Communications and Campaigns Manager [email protected] Pam Bierzynski Office and Special Projects Manager [email protected] Jim Carey Financial Systems Analyst [email protected] Nell Dority Finance Director [email protected] Sarah Neville Special Projects Assistant [email protected] Elizabeth Palazzola Special Projects Assistant [email protected]

EnTEr ThE GrEAT LAkEs PhoTo & sTorY ConTEsT AT www.healthylakes.org To wIn PrIzEs.

Lisa Wozniak Executive Director [email protected]

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Come out and see us this summer at community events around the state! We will be traveling around Michigan this summer getting the word out on important issues around the state. We would love to see you there! Check the list to see when we will be in your area. If you have a friend in the area, tell them to come out and see us! The Green Fair Friday, June 15, 6-9PM Main St. between William St. and Huron St. Ann Arbor The Water Festival Saturday, June 16, All day Riverside Park Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids Michigan Energy Fair Friday, June 22 through Sunday, June 24, All day Manistee Co. Fairgrounds Onekama Ann Arbor Art Fair Wednesday, July 18 through Saturday, July 21, All day Liberty St. between Main St. and State St. Ann Arbor

More events will be posted on our website!

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What is a carbon footprint?

Step it Up 2007 Michigan’s call to action a success! Despite the cool, cloudy spring day, concerned citizens around the state of Michigan were out in full force on Saturday, April 14th, anxious to send a message to Congress: “Step it Up! Cut carbon 80% by 2050!” From Ann Arbor, Traverse City, Houghton, and Albion to Lansing, Grand Rapids, Port Huron and Rep. John Dingell speaks as Sen. Liz Brater watches Kalamazoo, Michiganders joined tens of thousands of Americans gathered in all 50 states participating in over 1400 actions simultaneously to call on their leaders to act immediately to stop global climate change. The brain child of environmentalist and author Bill McKibbon, “Step it Up” nationwide rallies were believed to be the largest day of citizen action on global climate change to date.

In addition, U of M School of Natural Resources and the Environment faculty member Duncan Calloway spoke of evidence that renewable energy and energy efficiency are making a headway. He asserted that new technology in alternative energy may reverse Michigan’s economic slump by building a low-carbon energy manufacturing industry.

In Ann Arbor on the University of Michigan campus, Michigan LCV joined a coalition of more than 25 community and environmental groups, student Participants listen to Rep. Rebekah Warren organizations and university departments to urge Congress to adopt legislation that addresses global climate change and alternative energy. Over 200 people rallied around speeches given by students, researchers, educators, faith-based leaders, and local, state, and federal political leaders to acknowledge the devastation of global climate change and the need for immediate action. Knute Nadelhofer, Director of the University of Michigan’s Biological Station and Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, spoke about the overwhelming evidence of humankind’s detrimental impact through the increase of greenhouse gases. Nadelhofer noted that “this past February, conservative scientists reported that evidence of global warming is unequivocal and that it is very likely that most of the warming in recent decades is driven by greenhouse gases”.

State Representative Rebekah Warren and State Senator Liz Brater emphasized the role of policy makers and individuals in making choices for environmental protection. Senator Brater also criticized the false dichotomy that has been set up between providing jobs and protecting the environment. She stressed that it MI LCV Staff Members Nell Dority and Lisa Wozniak is possible to create jobs related to clean energy and renewable fuel, which will in turn boost Michigan’s struggling economy, and stated, “There are plenty of jobs building solar and wind energy facilities, plenty of jobs building energy efficient vehicles, and there are plenty of jobs in building transit systems”.

Finally, John Dingell, U.S. Congressman and Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, addressed the crowd: “The U.S. uses an enormous amount of energy. We are indeed very wasteful in our use of this resource. And we are going to have to address that problem and see to it that we no longer affect our national security, our well being, and our economy in particular. We have more than one reason to address this problem of global warming”. He also said that he is committed to writing responsible legislation, but that balancing quality of life, consumption and demand, and what’s right for the planet will be a challenge. Michiganders understand it is a delicate balancing act to write responsible legislation, but we also understand that climate change is real and is one of the biggest challenges of our lifetime. On a personal level, many people in Michigan, throughout the nation, and around the world continue to choose new conservation technologies to cut emissions— not because they have to, but because they want to. While this is a vital first step, individual actions scattered throughout the world have not been enough. We need the powerful force of quick and dramatic political action if we hope to reverse the trend of increasing climate change. We need environmental leaders like Congressman Dingell to do the right thing, hard as it may be, in order to leave our children a legacy of hope.

We hope to meet you and your friends there!

To see more photos and links to other Step it Up events around the nation visit www.MichiganLCV.org. Polar Bears with participating children

A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact human activities have on the natural world in terms of the amount of green house gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide. You can calculate your carbon footprint at: www.carbonfootprint.com Ways to reduce your carbon footprint: *Carpool, use public transportation or drive a fuel efficient car—reduce your carbon footprint by 1 pound for every mile you do not drive. *Use a low-flow shower head because the less water you use, the less energy is required to heat the water—reduce your carbon footprint by 350 pounds a year. *Buy locally and reduce the amount of energy required to drive your products to your store. *Turn off what you’re not using and even unplug electronics you’re not using—reduce your carbon footprint by thousands of pounds a year. *Sign up to a green energy supplier, who will supply electricity from renewable sources (e.g. wind and hydroelectric power)—this will reduce your electricity carbon footprint to zero. Courtesy of Earthday Network, www.earthday.net