Michigan

1
Michigans Water Debate A Discussion on the
Future of Water Law and Policy

• Doug Roberts, Jr., Director
• Environmental and Regulatory Affairs
• Michigan Chamber of Commerce

2
RECENT HEADLINES

• Its official Michigan now has the worst
  jobless situation in the United States. (Gongwer
  1/25)
• Michigan December jobless rate tied for highest
  in the nation. (AP 1/25)
• Michigan Loses Jobs rate worst in the nation.
  (Detroit News 1/20)

3
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

• National 5.4
• Wisconsin 4.6
• Indiana 5.1
• Ohio 5.9
• Michigan 7.3

4
WATER PROPOSALS
5
JOB KILLER

• Governors Water Regulation Act (SB 7, HB 4151)
• Imposes over 100 million in new costs on
  Business
• Discourages companies from expanding in Michigan
• Creates high degrees of uncertainty for job
  providers

6
JOB KILLER

• Annex 2001
• Chamber Position Oppose the July 19, 2004 draft
  of the Annex 2001. The Chamber does not support
  allowing other Great Lakes states to have binding
  decision making authority over consumptive uses
  of water in Michigan.
• - time delays
• - uncertain decision-making

7
Great Lakes Basin
8
PRO ENVIRONMENT/PRO JOBS

• Public Act 177 of 2003 (Moolenaar) Groundwater
  Conflict Resolution
• Creates a mediation process to try and resolve
  conflicts between water users.
• Gives the DEQ the authority based on scientific
  evidence to restrict water uses.

9
PRO ENVIRONMENT/ PRO JOBS

• Public Act 148 of 2003 (Birkholz) Groundwater
  Mapping
• Requires increased reporting from water users to
  improve the existing data set.
• Requires the mapping of our ground water by
  scientific experts at USGS and MSU. The state is
  spending 1.3 million to complete this study by
  August 2005.

10
PRO ENVIRONMENT/ PRO JOBS

• Public Act 148 of 2003 (Birkholz) Groundwater
  Mapping (cont)
• Establishes a council of key interest groups to
  make a recommendation based on the scientific
  data about what is needed to protect the
  groundwater. Must complete work no later than
  February 2006.

11
CONCLUSION

• Pro Jobs/Pro Environment
• Protecting water resources must be based on Best
  Possible Science.
• Job Killer
• The Legislature must reject the Governors Water
  Regulatory Act.