Bill Text: MI SR0036 | 2013-2014 | 97th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to support ending water diversions from the Great Lakes through Chicago.
Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Republican 13-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2013-04-17 - Referred To Committee On Natural Resources, Environment And Great Lakes [SR0036 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2013-SR0036-Introduced.html
Senators Brandenburg, Rocca, Hildenbrand, Green, Caswell, Proos, Nofs, Marleau and Hansen offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 36.
A resolution to support ending water diversions from the Great Lakes through Chicago.
Whereas, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are at historic low levels. These low levels have a dramatic impact on state and local economies in Michigan and the other Great Lakes states. Commercial shippers are forced to carry far less than full loads to avoid running aground, raising the cost of shipping goods. Many harbors are too shallow for recreational boats to navigate safely, denying coastal communities the significant revenue and jobs generated by these boaters; and
Whereas, Billions of gallons of Great Lakes water are diverted annually out of the Great Lakes through the man-made Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. At its authorized rate, the loss of this water lowers Lake Michigan and Lake Huron by 2.5 inches, contributing to the current low water level emergency; and
Whereas, The impact of this diversion may be even greater. It has the capacity to divert nearly three times as much water and a demonstrated history of exceeding the authorized diversion rates. Yet the actual diversion of water through Chicago over the last few years is unknown. Since 2009, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has failed to produce a report accounting for how much water is being diverted since 2009; and
Whereas, The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal also serves as a pathway for Asian carp and other harmful species to invade the Great Lakes. Invasive species established in the Great Lakes already cost the region more than $100 million per year. Asian carp could add dramatically to this cost if they move through the canal into the Great Lakes; and
Whereas, The costs of maintaining water diversions through Chicago outweigh any benefits to the Chicago area. The health of the Great Lakes must no longer take a back seat. Every inch of water makes a difference to the people, businesses, and communities that rely on the Great Lakes; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we support ending water diversions from the Great Lakes through Chicago; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
