For Friday, Feb. 14, 2020

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1 – Environmental groups are weighing in on Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive budget for 2021. 

The Michigan League of Conservation Voters says the budget prepares the state for the effects of a rapidly-changing climate and makes cleaning up contaminated sites and protecting drinking water top priorities. 

Highlights from the governor’s proposed spending include $40 million for projects to help local government’s prepare for the impacts of climate change and shoreline erosion.

The Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club also has good things to say about the budget. 

Leaders there pointed to the measures to address climate change along with $10 million for energy efficiency and clean energy projects.

2 – Great Lakes advocates aren’t as positive about President Trump’s proposed budget. 

They point to drastic cuts to programs that support drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, the Environmental Protection Agency, research and more. 

The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition says the White House budget would lead to the loss of tens of millions of dollars for clean water programs in Great Lakes states.

The group says it hopes to work with Republicans and Democrats in Congress to restore funding for essential clean water programs.

The coalition released a detailed analysis of the budget, state-specific infrastructure funding levels and funding requests. The requests include $350 million for the ongoing Great Lakes Restoration Initiative — to clean up toxic pollution, restore fish and wildlife habitat and fight invasive species. That’s $30 million more than is included in the president’s proposal. 

 

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard Friday mornings in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Q-90.1 FM NPR (now streaming). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes

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