Bill Text: MI HR0288 | 2009-2010 | 95th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to encourage Michigan residents to boycott the city of Chicago the weekend of June 12th and 13th to show the seriousness of the economic and environmental impact of the Asian carp problem.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 18-3)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2010-05-20 - Referred To Committee On Great Lakes And Environment [HR0288 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2009-HR0288-Introduced.html
Reps. McDowell, Lahti, Sheltrown, Nerat, Lindberg, Neumann, Polidori, Constan, Ball, Lisa Brown, Terry Brown, Kennedy, Kurtz, LeBlanc, Liss, Mayes, Roberts, Rogers, Slavens, Smith and Valentine offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 288.
A resolution to encourage Michigan residents to boycott the city of Chicago the weekend of June 12th and 13th to show the seriousness of the economic and environmental impact of the Asian carp problem.
Whereas, The encroaching threat of the arrival of Asian carp to the Great Lakes, a situation long anticipated but clearly a problem not taken seriously enough, has finally reached public attention. Reports indicating that Asian carp DNA has been found in Lake Michigan have generated activity at the federal level and a proposal from Michigan and other Great Lake states to shut all access by, in essence, halting shipping between the Chicago River system and Lake Michigan. The lawsuit filed with the U.S. Supreme Court in December 2009, seeking the immediate closure of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, reflects the magnitude of this threat; and
Whereas, Given the magnitude of the threat that this voracious invasive species poses to the entire Great Lakes, it is clear that muted responses are not enough to protect the lakes. With both the financial and environmental havoc that could be wreaked upon the Great Lakes by the Asian carp, no half measure will be sufficient to contain the movement of this fish. It is significant to emphasize that the Asian carp has already defied a range of containment efforts as it has worked its way up the Mississippi River system over the years; and
Whereas, While Illinois officials and commercial entities have expressed concerns over the economic impact of closing the canal to shipping, it is imperative for Michigan to do all it can to illustrate the fact that the economic costs extend far beyond any single industry or group of activities. Perhaps a public action could demonstrate the urgency of the matter and could prove productive in showing the level of concern that the people of Michigan feel about the problems posed by this unique invasive species; and
Whereas, The weekend of June 12-13 is a designated free fishing weekend across Michigan. This event promotes one of our state's most beloved and important outdoor activities by inviting citizens and visitors to enjoy fishing in Michigan's lakes and streams. This year, this weekend will also serve to remind people of the need to protect our natural resources against all threats; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we encourage Michigan residents to boycott the city of Chicago the weekend of June 12th and 13th to show the seriousness of the economic and environmental impact of the Asian carp problem. We also call upon Michigan residents to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy this weekend fully by taking their families fishing.
