Accomplishments
Government Watch
Sprawl spreads quickly in Michigan largely because in the 1990s the state
has backed off enforcement of environmental rules that protect people, wildlife,
and water and air quality.
The Institute is working to protect natural resources and communities from
reckless development by holding government accountable for enforcing environmental
laws. In 2000 the Institute:
* Shined a national spotlight on Michigan’s Department of Environmental
Quality chief, Russell Harding, in December after an Associated Press article
listed him as one contender on President George Bush’s list for a possible
post at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Institute created
a “Harding Watch” section on its Web site and alerted national
media to our reporting on Mr. Harding’s long track record of evading
and undermining Michigan’s environmental laws.
* Advanced its work to improve state oversight of large and polluting livestock
factories. Reports in September from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
and the state Auditor General confirmed Institute investigations of manure
mismanagement at livestock factories and the failure of state agencies to
enforce the law and prevent pollution. The EPA now is considering stepping
in to regulate livestock factories in the state and has asked the Michigan
Attorney General to evaluate how the Michigan Right to Farm Act may conflict
with the federal Clean Water Act.
* Worked with other organizations to establish a statewide coalition for
holding state government accountable for enforcing environmental laws. The
Institute documented in the fall 2000 issue of its magazine, the Great Lakes
Bulletin, how Michigan’s environmental enforcement agencies have become
paper tigers, which polluters ignore and the public can’t trust. Now
the Institute is working with groups in Michigan and nationwide to elevate
public awareness and develop rapid-response tools and strategies. |
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