Sen. Richardville announces Green Michigan Initiative
LANSING-Sen. Randy Richardville today helped launch the Green Michigan Initiative that will focus on Great Lakes and water protection, expansion of recycling in Michigan, development of green energy alternatives, and reduction of waste in state landfills.
"Michigan is fortunate to have an abundance of natural resources, which are important for agricultural, industrial, commercial and domestic use," said Richardville, R-Monroe. "It is imperative that we practice good stewardship and leave a strong legacy of support for future generations."
The Green Michigan Initiative will:
Adopt the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact;
Adopt a new water withdrawal assessment tool developed by the Groundwater Conservation Advisory Council;
Establish a Recycling Advisory Council to develop a statewide recycling program and monitor its progress;
Implement a recycling plan and landfill ban for consumer computer electronics;
Enact a new inspection program for out-of-state waste sorting facilities; and
Promote the use of renewable energies in Michigan through a Renewable Portfolio Standard that offers incentives rather than mandates.
The comprehensive plan was unveiled at a news conference held at the Michigan Library and Historical Center. Sen. Richardville discussed legislation that will focus on reducing waste in state landfills.
Michigan is a significant importer of waste from Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Wisconsin and Canada. Nearly one-third of all waste disposed of in Michigan landfills comes from out of state, and this amount increases each year.
"This proposal will help reduce the amount of waste entering Michigan by ensuring the wise use of Michigan landfill space," said Richardville. "By requiring inspections we can increase recycling and reduce the amount of inappropriate waste, such as electronic items, coming into our landfills."
The waste proposal would implement a new ban on consumer computer electronics and enact a new inspection program for out-of-state waste sorting facilities.
"Banning additional items from landfill disposal will allow Michigan to refuse waste from any source that does not have similar bans unless that waste is sorted at a recovery facility," Richardville said.
Measures within the Green Michigan Initiative will be introduced and taken up in the Senate Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee throughout the fall.
Posted: Wednesday, October 24, 2007
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