majority in state house receive failing grade

LANSING – Clean Water Action held a press conference at the State Capitol today to urge the majority in the legislature to start protecting Michigan’s water and other natural resources in the New Year.

“A majority of Michigan’s State Representatives have voted to whittle away at our water protections in the name of job creation, but these votes have done nothing to create jobs,” stated Cyndi Roper, Director of Michigan Clean Water Action. “Protecting our Great Lakes and Michigan’s other water treasures creates jobs, and this legislature has gone off-duty when it comes to protecting our water.” 

Roper pointed out that Michigan politicians know the state’s voters care about our water so their campaign messages usually include a focus on Great Lakes protection and other water themes.  “The distinction between campaign rhetoric and lawmaker voting records tells the real story and, unfortunately, most state lawmakers last year turned their backs on strengthening water protections,” continued Roper.

Those absent from today’s press conference were the majority of lawmakers whom received a failing grade. Out of the 67 legislators who scored below 60%, a startling 58 received 0% scores.

In attendance were a number of Michigan’s Clean Water Heroes and honorable mention award recipients who were chosen for their votes to protect Michigan’s vital natural resources.

“We’re joined today by State Representatives who understand you can protect Michigan’s water and create jobs,” stated Roper.  “They’re standing up for Michigan’s water, our Pure Michigan jobs, and our future.”

Roper called on the legislature to start working on the priorities included in Clean Water Action’s Water Protection Agenda if they’re serious about creating jobs.  Roper concluded:  “Instead of dismantling our protections, lawmakers should be working full-time to protect our water, the one thing that literally defines Michigan and secures our future.”

Clean Water Action’s midterm scorecard is based upon a compilation of the top ten worst environmental bills that came up for a vote on the House floor this past year. The Senate was not included in the midterm scorecard because that chamber has only voted on a handful of environmental measures.

The scorecard, which includes a full scoring breakdown and a description of the bills, can be found on our website.

Clean Water Action is Michigan’s largest environmental organization with more than 250,000 Michigan members served by offices in East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Clinton Township and Washington, DC.  Clean Water Action is working for clean, safe and affordable water; prevention of health threatening pollution; creation of environmentally safe jobs and businesses; and empowerment of people to make democracy work.  Clean Water Action organizes strong grassroots groups and coalitions and campaigns to elect environmental candidates and solve environmental and community problems.