Why is a conservation group endorsing candidates for Secretary of State and Attorney General?
As Michiganders, we know the value of water. It surrounds us, it shapes our way of life, and it defines us as the Great Lakes state.
But why, then, does our state face such a formidable challenge in the protection, safety, and affordability of #OurWater?
As a state, we face a slew of issues. PFAS drinking water contamination has affected 28 communities, and that number continues to grow. Lead pipes remain servicing water to half a million Michigan residents. Inhumane water shutoffs and sky-high water bills plague families and individuals. Invasive species and a crumbling Line 5 pose dangerous threats to the health and wellbeing of our Great Lakes — and the list goes on.
Suffice to say, Michigan’s water is in a bad place. But it doesn’t have to be.
Our elected leaders play a critical role in the protection and safekeeping of our land, air and water. It’s important to remember: this is not a process that happens without us.
At Michigan LCV, we envision a Michigan where people can trust that the water coming out of their tap is safe to drink, where our Great Lakes are protected for generations to come, and where our elected leaders choose people over polluters and special interests. Those things all rely on good government — and good government relies on elections.
That’s why, for the first time ever, we’re endorsing Jocelyn Benson for Secretary of State and Dana Nessel for Attorney General.
We’re endorsing Dana Nessel and Jocelyn Benson in these races because they will play valuable roles in creating environmental victories post-election.
- The office of Michigan Attorney General is critically important to protecting our environment, public health, and our state’s abundant natural resources. At the hands of AG Bill Schuette, this has cost us: we could have begun the process to shut down Line 5 long ago.
- The Secretary of State is crucial in ensuring that open and fair elections take place so that we can help elect pro-conservation champions to office.
Good government is critical to the fight for Michigan. Without champions in office — a Secretary of State who protects and values a just and fair democracy and election, and an Attorney General who recognizes the the vital importance of Michigan’s environment, we could not protect the Michigan we know and love and preserve it for generations.
In fact, we’ve seen firsthand what it looks like when these powers are left in the hands of those who feel differently.
While in office, Bill Schuette, Michigan’s current Attorney General, has waited to revoke the violated easement that allows Enbridge to keep Line 5 running. He has continued this pattern while the risk magnifies; during anchor strikes that damage the pipeline’s outer coating; during inclement weather that eliminates any chance of cleaning an possible oil spill — all while touting his love for the Great Lakes.
“Stewardship of the Great Lakes is built into the DNA of each and every Michigander,” Schuette has said. So why hasn’t he done more to shut down Line 5?
We also know that in Michigan, the democratic process has come under threat in recent years, creating roadblocks to electing environmental advocates who will fight to protect our air, land and water. To address the numerous challenges Michigan faces, we need a fair political process in which every citizen has fair and equal access to the polls and ensures their vote is secure and counted.
With Dana Nessel as Attorney General and Jocelyn Benson at Secretary of State, we will have an AG who fights for our environment and a SOS who will work to ensure fair elections and will defend the voting rights of Michigan residents.
