Why is Clean Water Action calling for a permanent ban to drilling in the Great Lakes?

The massive BP oil well disaster in the Gulf is destroying the livelihoods of residents across the region, costing billions for cleanup, and damaging wildlife populations for years to come. This is not a future scenario that Michigan needs. Clean Water Action recognizes that protecting the Great Lakes means protecting our drinking water, our multi-billion dollar fishing and boating industries, and our way of life in Michigan. Even before the spill, Clean Water Action worked to enact legislation to break our dependence on dirty energy-such as Big Oil-and finally capitalize on clean energy technology that would create jobs while protecting our environment.

Besides our long-standing mission to protect the waters of Michigan, we also work to empower Michiganders to take political action. That's why we are supporting a resolution that would allow citizens to vote this November to amend the Michigan Constitution to permanently ban drilling within or under the Great Lakes.

Isn't there already a legislative ban in place? Why do we need something else?

A legislative ban on drilling under the Great Lakes went into effect in 2002 after much debate. However, this ban could be easily overturned by a future legislature that caters to Big Oil interests. What's more, dirty energy corporations are willing to spend billions to lobby in favor of more drilling. Allies of Big Oil are on record opposing the drilling ban. The only way we can make sure the Great Lakes are truly protected is to make the drilling ban permanent by putting it in the Michigan Constitution.

How does a constitutional ban come about?

The only practical way to get a permanent ban on drilling this year is for the Michigan Legislature to place the question before voters this November. Two-thirds of the state House and state Senate must approve resolutions placing the question on the ballot. As of July 1st, both the Michigan House and Senate had passed resolutions out of committee. If these resolutions are passed by two-thirds of the entire House and Senate by September 2nd then voters will have an opportunity to permanently ban drilling in November.

What exactly is Clean Water Action doing to support the issue?

Clean Water Action has over 50 organizers going door-to-door mobilizing thousands of Michigan residents each week to write their lawmakers urging them to place the drilling ban on the November ballot. Clean Water Action is also reaching out to the public online, is lobbying lawmakers to urge support, and testifying at the capitol in Lansing.

Is there any drilling currently occurring under the Great Lakes?

When the legislative ban took effect in 2002, the seven slant drills (drills based on land that directionally drill underneath the lake) that were operating were allowed to continue. However, there is a ban on any additional permits.

I've heard that only deepwater drilling is dangerous. Are there really any risks posed by drilling in the lakes?

Absolutely. Spills can occur at wellheads or from trucks and there are several instances of pipelines bursting, leading to drinking water contamination and evacuation of households. This occurred in 1999 at Chrystal Falls in the Upper Peninsula and led to the evacuation of 400 people. You can read more about the risks in this report from the Alliance for the Great Lakes (pdf). Our Great Lakes are the lifeblood of our manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism industries. We don't believe that their health should be on the negotiating table.

Don't we need to drill in order to have a secure energy supply?

A secure energy supply is one that is renewable and does not endanger the natural resources that we need to survive and prosper. Our dirty energy dependence will not disappear overnight, but expanding drilling will sacrifice thousands of clean energy jobs, cost ratepayers millions in potential energy efficiency, and endanger our water sources. Security means moving towards efficiency and renewable energy.

How Can I Help?

You can write your lawmaker and urge him/her to support putting the permanent ban on the November ballot. You can also help by volunteering or donating financially to Clean Water Action's Great Lakes campaign.