Michigan Chapter Update
February 2010: Say NO to Proposed Mine Road; Meet with your State Legislators at home; Thank you, Senator Stabenow!; April 14th Celebration of My 25 Years with Sierra Club Michigan Chapter
Make Kennecott keep their word: NO new Road to proposed Mine site!
The Kennecott Mining Company is adding insult to injury at the site of their proposed sulfide ore mine under the headwaters of the Salmon Trout River in the Upper Peninsula. Although the company failed to describe this proposed haul route in their mine application as required, Kennecott now wants permission to hack and slice through the heart of the remote and undeveloped Michigamme Highlands to build a 22.3 mile long industrial haul road.
The brand new, unneeded road would run from the proposed mine site to the Humboldt Mill, fragmenting wildland habitat and destroying over 30 acres of valuable wetlands that are home to an incredibly diverse array of bird species. With 23 planned water crossings the proposed road would impact the Escanaba River, Dead River, Michigamme River and Yellow Dog River systems, some of the cleanest rivers in Michigan.
Your comments opposing Kennecott's proposed Industrial Haul Road must be provided to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment by February 20. Click here to Take Action Now and stop this ill-conceived proposal. Find out more about sulfide mining in Michigan by contacting Michigan Clean Water Program Director Rita Jack.
Attend an In-District Meeting with YOUR Legislator!
Sierra Club’s legislative program is in full swing. Join one of our in-district leaders who are meeting with lawmakers around Michigan to talk about clean energy and the state’s environmental protection budget. Meetings will take place through March. To find a meeting in your district, click the In-District Lobbying Link.
Finally, mark your calendar – the Sierra Club’s Spring Lobby Day will take place Wednesday, April 28 in Lansing! Click here for more information on the Sierra Club’s Legislative program.
Thank Senator Stabenow for Supporting Control of Greenhouse Gases!
As the US Congress has dragged its feet on energy and climate protection, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) proposed a resolution that would rescind the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. This authority, given by the Clean Air Act, was reaffirmed by the Supreme Court in 2007 and would allow the Obama Administration to take steps to protect the planet even if Congress doesn't act.
Our US Senator Debbie Stabenow has made her opposition to this "Dirty Air Act" clear, helping to block the Murkowski proposal from moving forward. Please take a moment to Thank Senator Stabenow by clicking here. Find out more about how you can help make sure Michigan's Congressional Representatives and Senators are supporting stopping climate change, contact our Clean Energy Organizer Dave Petroelje or call 616-451-3051 x 28.
Save the Date - April 14th Celebration of A Quarter Century with the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter!
Twenty-five years ago I had the privilege of becoming the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter staff person, and this April 14th the Michigan Chapter will throw a party to celebrate! I hope you can join us - details will come in future Updates. In the meantime, please check out my blog, A Quarter Century with the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, where I explore the environmental issues that have shaped our state and the amazing people who advocated for them during the past quarter century!
Thanks for your support for the Sierra Club and for protecting Michigan's natural heritage and future!
Anne Woiwode, Director, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter