Podcasts

I want to ensure that Michigan's agricultural industry is protected. Our farmers play a crucial role in our economy here in Bay County and throughout the state. I don't want anything to jeopardize their livelihoods, or our economy. Many in Michigan's agricultural community fear that regulators might consider it a water diversion if they sold their crops outside of our state. Many agricultural crops like potatoes, pickles, and other vegetables and fruits are largely composed of water. I think it's important to clarify that shipping water outside of the state is not the same and shipping a cucumber out of the state. That's why I've introduced legislation to clarify that any regulation that would prohibit Great Lakes water from being diverted outside of the Great Lakes Basin would not apply to agriculture. Agriculture plays a vital role in our economy. It's our second largest industry. It's essential that we strike a balance in order to safeguard our crops and our farmers, while giving other businesses room to grow.