8 Michigan League Update 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! Please become a Member of

Mailing Address: Michigan League of Conservation Voters
213 W. Liberty Street, Suite 300
Ann Arbor, MI 48104 By becoming a member you will help elect conservation-minded leaders
and make the protection of our natural resources a priority with Michigan’s
Phone: (734)222.9650 elected officials and voters.

Fax: (734)222.9651 $5,000 + Conservation Champion $100 - $249 Contributor

$1,000 - $4,900 Conservation Corps $25 - $99 Member
E-mail: Info@MichiganLCV.org $250 - $999 Conservation Circle Inside this issue:

Websites: 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.
Michigan Must Take the Lead on
www.MichiganLCV.org
www.MichiganLCVEdFund.org 2. Once you are a member, donate to our Political Action Committee (PAC). Water Withdrawal Regulations
3. PAC contributions are the most useful and flexible funds Michigan LCV can accept Great Lakes, Great Michigan 2007
Blog: because we can use these funds for direct political action.
www.MichiganLCV.org/blog (Because of our political work, all gifts to Michigan LCV are non-tax deductible.) 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
Address Change? Can Michigan LCV accept funds from a corporation or family foundation? Lake Superior, the incomparable summer sunsets off the shores of Lake Michigan, and
Please help us stay up-to-date Because donations to Michigan LCV support political action, we do not accept the quiet reflection of a walk down any one of the five lakes’ beaches are things that all
by sending any mailing or contributions from corporations except as sponsorship for specific events.
Michigan’s Energy pg. 3 Michiganders can relate to. However, most of us don’t realize that interests outside
e-mail address changes to We encourage foundations to contribute to the Michigan LCV Ed Fund, which is a of Michigan don’t share these values.
Info@MichiganLCV.org. 501c(3) organization which educates voters about critical environmental issues.
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
MICHIGAN LEAGUE OF Non-Profit Org. rests entirely within the Great Lakes Basin. That means that all the rain, runoff,
CONSERVATION VOTERS U.S. Postage groundwater, wetlands, creeks and streams in the state eventually end up as water in
213 W. LIBERTY, SUITE 300 PAID one or more of the Great Lakes surrounding our beautiful state. With all of our water
ANN ARBOR, MI 48104 Ann Arbor, MI bound for one of the Lakes, it is critical that Michigan take the lead in ensuring that
Permit No. 423 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.
Step it Up 2007 pg. 4 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:
Green Business pg. 6
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.

 2 7

Michigan LCV Budget Crisis a Looming Disaster A Big Thank You to Our Most Recent Donors! Michigan Must
Constance Andersen Marcia Gershenson Mark Mitchell
2007 Board for Michigan’s Natural Resources Margaret Applebee Beverly Ghesquiere Mike and Drew Moore Take the Lead on
Notes from Executive Director Lisa Wozniak Mary Barcella Barbara Gilmore Weber Gordon and Vernie Nethercut
of Directors Jose Barrera Catherine Glorie John and Gwen Nystuen Water Withdrawal
Barbara Bergman Elizabeth and Gil Goodenough Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Ogilvie
William and Helen Milliken,
Honorary Co-Chairs
The Michigan League of Conservation Voters (LCV)
worked throughout the fall of 2006 to ensure that Michigan
Joanie Binkow Virginia Griffith Joan and William Olsen Regulations
Bill Bobier Marion Grout William and Shirley Patterson
elected a pro-environment Governor, as well as strong Janis Bobrin Robert and Pamela Guenzel John Pollack Continued from page 1
Shari Pollesch, pro-environment legislators to both the House and Senate. Robert Borak Leah Gunn Simon and Phyllissa Ren
President We celebrated many victories in the last election cycle, and
Jon and Penny Boulton Marilyn Hagen Garrett Rentrop 3.) Meaningful Conservation.
Theresa Brennan Bob Halle Gary and Sue Rentrop Develop meaningful
we believed that the results of our work would be clearly Mary and Donald Brown Nancy and Tim Hammond John and Kerry Richter
Irene Cahill, visible in the 2007 legislative session. Bunyan and Jean Bryant James and Susan Hopson Joseph and Dorothy Rink conservation standards,
Vice President Jonathan and Gertrude Bulkley Loren and Lyn Houtman Richard and Jan Robb which set a high bar to ensure
Yet four months into 2007, there remains significant Barbara Burns Holly Jennings Kenneth Rosenman ecosystems are protected for
Thomas Butts Timothy Killeen Dorothy Schobel future generations.
Mike Newman, reason for concern over the state’s budget crisis and its John and Irene Cahill William and Marietta Kusey James Schwantes
Secretary impact on our natural resources. Decision-makers in John and Patricia Carver Dixie and William Lahti Mary Sherzer 4.) Licensing and Permitting.
Lansing have been dragging their feet in solving this critical Fred Charbonneau Paula Leinbach Nancy Shiffler Reaffirm the public ownership
Robert Matthews, problem, a problem that not only impacts our children’s Ralph and Joyce Cobb Richard and Carol Leyshock Gerald Solanics
Patrick Conlin Walter and Mary Ligon Fred and Deb Steketee of waters of the state by
Treasurer education and essential services, but leaves Michigan’s land, Theda Connell Glenn and Patricia Lottie David and Alison Swan requiring permits for any
Lisa Wozniak with son Ben air, and water resources at risk. Catherine Curran Carol Lund Keith Taylor commercial water packaging
John Austin Ted and Marcia Curran Dan and Janet Luria William Thomas facility that is not a public
Few Michiganders realize that if Michigan’s budget problems are not fixed Dan DelZoppo Barry Matthews Steven Thompson
water supply.
Edna DelZoppo Jennifer Matthews Bruce Wallace
Kerry Duggan soon, our state’s natural resources will essentially be left unprotected and
Stanley and Elizabeth Dole Robert Matthews John and Sarah Weiss 5.) Community Involvement.
unmonitored, vulnerable and ultimately damaged. Evan and Nell Dority Jim Maturen Jamie Weitzel
William Farr Joan Dutton Robert and Jane McElroy George Wickstrom Elevate community
Budget cuts to programs that protect Michigan’s land, air and water could result in: William and Kay Farr Fred McLane Diane Wilbur involvement and public
Elizabeth Goodenough Nelson and Barbara Fuller Rudolph Milasich Larry Willey participation in water use
* Unanswered citizens’ pollution complaints. Companies could illegally discharge Pamela Fulton G. Miller Will and Joan Wolfe decisions by allowing local
pollutants to the air or water with impunity. Manure discharges from factory farms Robert and Elizabeth Garner John Mitchell Karl Zollner
Tony Infante governmental and citizen
would not be monitored. Budget Crisis a Looming Disaster for Michigan... action.
Dr. Daniel Luria *Reduced or eliminated beach monitoring. Beaches would be more vulnerable to Continued from page 2 6.) Investment in Michigan’s
bacterial pollution that puts children at risk, and monitoring programs that might alert Waters through Restoration
Call me crazy, but without necessary protections of Michigan’s natural resources,
Christine Manninen the public to risks would be curtailed. Initiatives. Require all waters of
how will we have a beautiful and bountiful state left to promote? How can we expect
*Eliminated air quality monitoring of factories. folks to want to visit our state, if we don’t protect the attractions they exclusively want the state used by permit
Lana Pollack holders to be returned to the
to see? If our decision-makers in Lansing really want to welcome visitors to “Pure
*Eliminated air quality permits for businesses. Many manufacturers need the permits Michigan”, a place where folks can find “hundreds of crystal clear lakes and thousands watershed from which it was
G. Hans Rentrop to operate, and without them construction of new facilities and expansions of existing taken.
of rivers and streams….the world’s longest freshwater coastline….boating, fishing,
plants would be impossible. golfing, camping, biking, hiking and touring….”2 then they must step up and ensure
Chris Yates These measures, if adopted
that vital protections of these resources are firmly in place. by the Michigan Legislature
The majority of Michiganders assume that approximately 10% of the state’s
John Carver, budget is spent protecting our water, air, parks, etc. Wrong! Over the past 15 years, The state’s own DNR analysts calculate that for every $1 in state budget and fee and signed by the Governor,
Director Emeritus funding for environmental protection has been cut to the bone. Funding for the support to their agency, $116 in revenue is generated by outdoor sports enthusiasts, will not only protect
Departments of Environmental Quality, Natural Resources and Agriculture combined nature lovers and tourists to Michigan’s natural attractions. Investment in our air, water Michigan’s water
Michael D. Moore, account for less than 1.8 percent of the state’s budget (compared to corrections at and land makes sense for quality of life reasons and makes good economic sense for from the threat of
Director Emeritus 20%, health care at 32%, and higher education at 21%)1. Michigan! withdrawals and
diversions, but will
Fast, dramatic and substantive action is needed NOW to safeguard our also show our
Joan Wolfe, Yet, somehow, in the midst of this budget crisis our Lansing decision-makers and
natural resources and public health in the face of Michigan’s continuing budget crisis. neighboring states
Director Emeritus the state tourism office believe that they can again sacrifice Michigan’s natural
Michigan LCV is working hard to let legislators know that We expect our leaders to be that we are serious
treasures to the funding chopping block, while at the same time promoting our state’s
thinking, planning and acting with Michigan’s long-term future in mind. We invite you about protecting
beauty and bounty as one of the top five vacation destinations in the country.
to carry this message to your representatives, as well. all the water of the
Please see article continuation on Page 7. 1
Recent research conducted by Heart of the Lakes. Great Lakes.
2
Check out http://www.michigan.org/travel

Would you like to
nominate a local
Green Business
for our spotlight?
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 Elizabeth@MichiganLCV.org.
To learn more about
ReCellular’s programs and
ways you can participate, visit
our website at
www.MichiganLCV.org.
WARNING:
NO MORE SWIMMING
NO MORE FISHING
NO MORE DRINKING WATER
NO MORE
GREAT LAKES
6 3
Local Green Business Spotlight: Michigan LCV
Renewable Energy
ReCellular, Inc. Michigan has it—will we use it? Education Fund
ReCellular, Inc., a cell phone recycling company
Right now, there are bills pending in the Michigan
2007 Board
located in Dexter, MI was established in 1991 and since
then has expanded to become a leader in the legislature addressing the issue of long-term energy of Directors
electronics recycling industry. ReCellular expects to independence and global climate change. Leaders across
collect for reuse or recycling over 4 million cell phones in the state understand that we can and should be doing
more to aid in the global effort to reduce emissions of Mark Richardson, President
2007. Since Americans are constantly replacing their cell
phones, about 130 million phones end up in landfills or carbon based gases, which are contributing to climate
change and poisoning our communities. James Clift, Vice President
sitting in homes unused each year.
Mike Newman, ReCellular VP Renewable energy not only makes sense for Heather Gott
ReCellular collects these phones as donations to
and MI LCV Board Member environmental reasons, but is a new and emerging global
charity organizations or as fundraising projects. They
market, which promises to bring jobs to the state and Becky Lameka
then test and refurbish useable phones for sale, often overseas. All unusable
phones or components are sent to recycling companies. Through the efforts of 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 Shari Pollesch
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 short-term gain of business as usual?
paper products used to ship the phones.
Energy efficiency: the other side of the coin.
Michigan LCV and
ReCellular is a socially and environmentally conscious business through Michigan LCV
To focus solely on the shift to the use of renewable energy resources without
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 increasing our statewide energy efficiency would be folly. Reducing the amount of Ed Fund Staff
work with to ensure proper recycling methods are being used. 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 Brian Beauchamp
This year, ReCellular plans to donate several million dollars
electricity and natural gas by 1% a year could save Michigan roughly $3 billion in Communications and
to charities from their proceeds and send phones to
electric costs over the next 20 years. That’s a lot of money that could remain in Campaigns Manager
Rwanda for use by rural health officials and teachers.
consumers’ checking accounts and help the state recover from the financial crisis that Brian@MichiganLCV.org
Take A Few Minutes and Urge congress to currently looms like a dark cloud over Lansing.
protect the great lakes
Pam Bierzynski
YOU CAN HELP MAKE ENERGY A PRIORITY! Office and Special Projects
The Great Lakes hold one fifth of the world’s fresh Manager
water supply and provide drinking water to over Write to your State Representative, State Senator, and Governor Granholm Pam@MichiganLCV.org
30 million people. Yet each day, our Lakes are dam- today. Tell them that you support laws that mandate that 20% of Michigan’s Energy
aged economically and ecologically by untreated comes from renewable resources by the year 2020 and that Michigan needs to Jim Carey
sewage, industrial pollutants and invasive species.
Unless we invest in a solution today, the price we
increase energy efficiency 1% a year in order to save money and protect the
environment.
Financial Systems Analyst
Jimcee66@yahoo.com
will pay tomorrow will be much higher and future
generations may never experience the Lakes as we Nell Dority
know them. Fortunately there is a solution—you.
For tips on writing to your state lawmakers, go to www.MichiganLCVEdFund.org,
and click on the Voter Resources link. Finance Director
You can sign a petition to urge Congress to pass
Nell@MichiganLCV.org
the Great Lakes Collaboration Implementation Act,
a comprehensive regional plan that dedicates fund- Your voice can make the difference in creating a
Sarah Neville
ing to protect our drinking water, economic future more energy efficient and independent Michigan!
and way of life. Log on to www.healthylakes.org to
Special Projects Assistant
let your voice be heard. Sarah@MichiganLCV.org
Elizabeth Palazzola
Special Projects Assistant
Elizabeth@MichiganLCV.org
Lisa Wozniak
EnTEr ThE GrEAT LAkEs PhoTo & sTorY ConTEsT Executive Director
AT www.healthylakes.org To wIn PrIzEs. Lisa@MichiganLCV.org

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!
We hope to meet you and
your friends there!
4 5
Step it Up 2007 What is a carbon
Michigan’s call to action a success! footprint?
Despite the cool, cloudy State Representative
spring day, concerned citizens Rebekah Warren and State A carbon footprint is a
around the state of Michigan
were out in full force on
Senator Liz Brater emphasized measure of the impact human
the role of policy makers and activities have on the natural
Saturday, April 14th, anxious to individuals in making choices world in terms of the amount
send a message to Congress: for environmental protection. of green house gases
“Step it Up! Cut carbon 80% by Senator Brater also criticized the produced, measured in units of
2050!” From Ann Arbor, false dichotomy that has been carbon dioxide.
Traverse City, Houghton, and set up between providing
Albion to Lansing, Grand jobs and protecting the You can calculate your carbon
Rapids, Port Huron and environment. She stressed that it footprint at:
Rep. John Dingell speaks as Sen. Liz Brater watches Kalamazoo, Michiganders is possible to create jobs related to MI LCV Staff Members Nell Dority and Lisa Wozniak www.carbonfootprint.com
joined tens of thousands of Americans gathered in all 50 states participating in over clean energy and renewable fuel, which will in turn boost Michigan’s struggling
1400 actions simultaneously to call on their leaders to act immediately to stop global economy, and stated, “There are plenty of jobs building solar and wind energy facilities, Ways to reduce your carbon
climate change. plenty of jobs building energy efficient vehicles, and there are plenty of jobs in footprint:
building transit systems”.
The brain child of *Carpool, use public
environmentalist and author Bill In addition, U of M School of Natural Resources and the Environment faculty transportation or drive a fuel
McKibbon, “Step it Up” member Duncan Calloway spoke of evidence that renewable energy and energy efficient car—reduce your
nationwide rallies were believed efficiency are making a headway. He asserted that new technology in alternative carbon footprint by 1 pound
to be the largest day of citizen energy may reverse Michigan’s economic slump by building a low-carbon energy for every mile you do not drive.
action on global climate change manufacturing industry.
to date. *Use a low-flow shower head
Finally, John Dingell, U.S. Congressman and Chair of the House Energy and because the less water you use,
In Ann Arbor on the Commerce Committee, addressed the crowd: “The U.S. uses an enormous amount of the less energy is required to
University of Michigan campus, energy. We are indeed very wasteful in our use of this resource. And we are going to heat the water—reduce your
Michigan LCV joined a coalition have to address that problem and see to it that we no longer affect our national carbon footprint by 350
of more than 25 community and security, our well being, and our economy in particular. We have more than one reason pounds a year.
environmental groups, student to address this problem of global warming”. He also said that he is committed to
Participants listen to Rep. Rebekah Warren
organizations and university writing responsible legislation, but that balancing quality of life, consumption and *Buy locally and reduce the
departments to urge Congress to adopt legislation that addresses global climate demand, and what’s right for the planet will be a challenge. amount of energy required to
change and alternative energy. Over 200 people rallied around speeches given by drive your products to your
students, researchers, educators, faith-based leaders, and local, state, and federal Michiganders understand it is a delicate balancing act to write responsible store.
political leaders to acknowledge the devastation of global climate change and the legislation, but we also understand that climate change is real and is one of the
need for immediate action. biggest challenges of our lifetime. On a personal level, many *Turn off what you’re not using
people in Michigan, throughout the nation, and around the and even unplug electronics
Knute Nadelhofer, Director of the University of world continue to choose new conservation technologies to you’re not using—reduce your
Michigan’s Biological Station and Professor of Ecology and cut emissions— not because they have to, but because they carbon footprint by thousands
Evolutionary Biology, spoke about the overwhelming want to. While this is a vital first step, individual actions of pounds a year.
evidence of humankind’s detrimental impact through the scattered throughout the world have not been enough. We
increase of greenhouse gases. Nadelhofer noted that “this need the powerful force of quick and dramatic political action *Sign up to a green energy
past February, conservative scientists reported that if we hope to reverse the trend of increasing climate change. supplier, who will supply
evidence of global warming is unequivocal and that it is We need environmental leaders like Congressman Dingell to electricity from renewable
very likely that most of the warming in recent decades is do the right thing, hard as it may be, in order to leave our sources (e.g. wind and
driven by greenhouse gases”. children a legacy of hope. hydroelectric power)—this will
reduce your electricity carbon
To see more photos and links to other Step it Up events around footprint to zero.
the nation visit www.MichiganLCV.org.
Polar Bears with participating children Courtesy of Earthday Network,
www.earthday.net