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Dear Friend,
This week, I proclaimed the first week in June as Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week to celebrate Michigan?s most important natural resource. You can celebrate with us by accessing all our beautiful state parks this weekend free of charge!
This weekend, on Saturday, June 8th, and Sunday, June 9th Michiganders and visitors can grab a fishing pole, ride off-road trails, and visit state parks - all free of charge. On these two days, the DNR will waive the need for a fishing license, off-road vehicle license or trail permit, and a recreation passport requirement for admission to Michigan state parks and boating access sites.
This is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of our water and its immeasurable value to every Michigander. Michigan is home to 21% of the world?s fresh surface water and is defined by our Great Lakes. Whether we?re drinking from the tap or taking in a lake view, water and wellness go hand in hand.
Let?s talk about some things we?re doing to recommit ourselves to protecting our water which is critical to our state?s economy and the future of our planet and people.
Reducing Dumping in Michigan
In recent years, Michigan has faced increasing and overwhelming amounts of garbage disposal, from both in and out of state. Waste haulers from across the country, and even Canada, drive their garbage to dump it in Michigan. Along with in-state dumping, these waste disposal practices are driving up emissions, contaminating our water, and straining the limited lifespan of existing landfills. ?
That?s why I proposed raising our waste tipping fee, the price we charge companies to dump their trash here, from the current rate of $0.36 per ton to $5.00 per ton. This would bring Michigan in line with the average Midwest tipping fee and incentivize businesses and industries to reduce waste generation. It will also increase recycling efforts while generating $80 million in ongoing revenue that we can use to remediate and protect our land, water, and lakes.
Bringing our tipping fees in line with our neighbors will keep Michigan safe and beautiful. I encourage you to contact your state legislators to share your support for bringing Michigan?s tipping fees up to the regional standard.
Protecting Michigan?s Environment
To keep protecting our planet, we have also taken big steps to become a leader in the future of clean energy and climate action. Last year, I signed a game-changing package of clean energy legislation that enacted a 100% clean-energy standard by 2040 and efficiency upgrades to lower costs for consumers. We are creating tens of thousands of good-paying jobs while protecting our planet and public health.?
Last month, I announced a $290 million expansion of the MI Clean Water Plan, from bipartisan, voter-approved bonds to help communities across Michigan build up their water infrastructure. These resources will help communities across the state ensure safer, cleaner, and more affordable drinking water. This will also help us make much-needed repairs on aging systems by replacing lead service lines, upgrading wastewater plants, and making improvements to sewer systems.
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Since I took office, I have made critical investments in our parks, trails, and public lands. I have actively supported efforts to conserve and protect Michigan?s diverse wildlife, while expanding access to outdoor recreation. With the?MI Healthy Climate Plan, we will protect 30 percent of state land and water by 2030 to help naturally absorb greenhouse gas emissions, preserve biodiversity, and expand recreation. Our bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan made the single largest investment in state and local parks, including $450 million to improve access to recreation for Michiganders.
I am proud of the steps my administration has taken to protect Michigan's environment.
As we celebrate this weekend with free access to much of our state?s recreation, let?s recommit ourselves to protecting and preserving our state?s environment.
Together, we can be good stewards of our extraordinary natural resources and build a brighter future for our kids.
Sincerely,
 Gretchen Whitmer
Governor
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