Leading Businesses. Moving Michigan Forward. 
Policy & Politics
Protecting the Great Lakes and Private Property Rights
GOAL: Allow Reasonable Use of Michigan’s Water Resources
CHAMBER MEMBERS ADVOCATE:
- Continue support for implementation of the Great Lakes Compact as ratified by the states and Congress. This includes providing the groundwater assessment tool with adequate scientifically-based data and resources to properly implement Public Acts 179-190 of 2008.
- Oppose efforts to infringe upon property rights through expansion of the so-called “public trust” doctrine related to the use of groundwater.
- Significantly contribute to the identification of solutions to stop the spread of invasive species including the Asian Carp.
- Support efforts, including the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration, to help improve the water quality of the Great Lakes.
WHY?
The Great Lakes are a strategic economic advantage for Michigan. The Great Lakes account for 90 percent of the United States’ and 20 percent of the world’s fresh surface water. Job providers are heavily dependent on the availability, access to, and use of water resources. Policies must balance the need to protect the Great Lakes and allow for their use. Immediate attention must be placed on the issue of aquatic invasive species such as Asian Carp. The Great Lakes Commission now estimates that more than 180 non-native species are present in the Great Lakes basin and are causing basin-wide economic damages of over $5.7 billion, annually.
