Peters proposed an amendment to ban directional drilling under the GreatLakes. The amendment was then changed by the Republican majority 18-14 toallow for Great Lakes bottom lands to be leased and permits to be issued for drilling under the lakes. Peters' amendment would have protected Michigan's shorelines from directional drilling under the Great Lakes by placing a ban on directional drilling.
"The oil and gas industry is making promises it knows it cannot keep," Peters says. "Drilling for oil and gas under the Great Lakes will not bring down the price of putting gas in your car or heating your home in the winter. It will, however, put more money into the bank accounts of an industry that is already enjoying record profits."
Peters argues this change in state policy was implemented during the appropriations process, but should have been considered through public hearings in the Natural Resources Committee.
"Until Department of Natural Resources and Department of EnvironmentalQuality scientists are able to turn oil and gas into water, I cannot seejustifying a risk, no matter how small, to the world's greatest supply offresh water," Peters says. "Michigan is the guardian of the Great Lakesand should set the standard for all the world to follow."
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