Bill Text: MI HR0256 | 2021-2022 | 101st Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to declare March 22, 2022, as Michigan Water Day and World Water Day in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 27-1)
Status: (Passed) 2022-03-22 - Adopted [HR0256 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2021-HR0256-Enrolled.html
house resolution no.256
Reps. Kuppa, Stone, Brenda Carter, Cynthia Johnson, Pohutsky, Anthony, Hood, Ellison, Neeley, Scott, LaGrand, Coleman, Liberati, Sowerby, Rogers, Hertel, Hope, Aiyash, Bezotte, Breen, Haadsma, Koleszar, Rabhi, Sabo, Sneller, Thanedar, Weiss and Young offered the following resolution:
Whereas, Since 1993, the United Nations has designated March 22nd as World Water Day. In 2010, the United Nations acknowledged "the importance of equitable access to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as an integral component of the realization of all human rights"; and
Whereas, The theme of World Water Day 2022 is ‘Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible;’ and
Whereas, Michigan’s groundwater and surface water are connected as part of the water cycle and need to be protected holistically; and
Whereas, Groundwater flow that discharges to lakes and streams sustains cold water fisheries, stream ecology, and wetlands, and also accounts for approximately 25% of the volume of the Great Lakes, the world’s largest and most magnificent freshwater system; and
Whereas, Michigan’s groundwater provides drinking water to 45% of Michigan’s population from private wells and municipal supplies, while surface water is the source of drinking water for the remainder of the population, primarily through municipal supplies; and
Whereas, Regardless of whether they use groundwater or surface water, all Michiganders have a human right to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water; and
Whereas, Contamination of groundwater has occurred in over 10,000 locations in Michigan. In some of these locations, Michiganders are barred from using groundwater as drinking water; and
Whereas, Michigan’s water infrastructure financing must include multi-billion-dollar investments in protecting drinking water sources and supply systems associated with both groundwater and surface water, and
Whereas, Water services should meet the needs of all Michiganders, including those who are the most vulnerable, so that their voices are heard in the decision-making process; and
Whereas, The Anishinaabek, the original people of the Great Lakes region, have a special relationship with the water and believe and teach that water is necessary to sustain them both spiritually and physically. Based on these fundamental values, Anishinaabek people prioritize ensuring that the waters of the Great Lakes are healthy and clean for future generations; and
Whereas, On admission to statehood, Michigan became the owner as sovereign to the waters of the Great Lakes and groundwater and holds them under the public trust doctrine for the benefit of the people of the state of Michigan, and
Whereas, Article IV, Section 52 of the Michigan Constitution holds that it is a “paramount public concern” of government to conserve and develop natural resources while protecting water and other natural resources from pollution, impairment, and destruction; and
Whereas, The Michigan Environmental Protection Act calls for “protection of the air, water, and other natural resources and the public trust in these resources from pollution, impairment, or destruction” by government; and
Whereas, The waters of the Great Lakes and Michigan’s tributary rivers, streams, and groundwater are a globally unique freshwater system and a magnificent and unparalleled natural resource endowment; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare March 22, 2022, as Michigan Water Day and World Water Day in the state of Michigan. It is with great honor and appreciation that we take this time to join other states and nations in expressing our commitment to ensuring that groundwater is fully protected; that safe, clean, and affordable drinking water is available to all Michiganders from both surface water and groundwater; and commit ourselves to promoting public awareness to prevent our precious water from pollution and depletion. On this day, we will celebrate and honor the pure water in our state, our country, and our world; and be it further
Resolved, While we recognize the interconnectedness of humanity and appreciate global challenges, we also recognize our duty as Michiganders in protecting our natural resources and instilling a sense of pride in ourselves and our children for our Great Lakes; and be it further
Resolved, That we cherish and acknowledge the special responsibility of protecting Michigan’s waters for current and future generations.
