Annual Report
2016 Annual Report 602 W. Ionia Street • Lansing, Michigan 48933 (517) 487-9539 • www.environmentalcouncil.org 3 100% post-consumer recycled paper Cover Photo: John McCormick, Michigan Nut Photography From the PRESIDENT wo of the Michigan Environmental hire our first-ever agriculture policy TCouncil’s signature achievements director. That means we’ll have greater in 2016 made it clear that, as President capacity to promote state, local and Calvin Coolidge put it, “Nothing federal policies that support Michigan in this world can take the place of in growing a diverse abundance of persistence.” food while promoting the long-term James Clift, our policy director, well-being of our water, wildlife and spent five years doing everything he climate. We’ve long worked to make could to block a state plan to deregulate agriculture more sustainable, but this air emissions of 500 toxic chemicals. is the first time we’ve had a program At times, it looked like a lost cause. But dedicated solely to farm issues. James and MEC never let up, and in Generous financial support March, state officials announced they also made possible a new initiative were dropping the plan. launched in late 2016 to ensure Likewise, our tenacity was key in that families across Michigan enjoy achieving important clean energy safe, affordable drinking water. reforms in the final days of 2016. We’re reaching out to water experts, Lawmakers put forward some Chris Kolb, President community leaders and residents to worrisome proposals during more than learn about the challenges they face two years of negotiations, legislative and the resources they need to advance hearings and bill introductions.
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