August 13, 2003, Introduced by Reps. Walker, Palsrok, DeRossett, Bradstreet, Shackleton, Hummel, Casperson, Adamini, Brown and Gillard and referred to the Committee on Great Lakes and Tourism.
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the state
constitution of 1963, by adding section 55 to article IV, to
provide for the conservation and protection of the Great Lakes.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
state of Michigan, That the following amendment to the state
constitution of 1963, to provide for the conservation and
protection of the Great Lakes, is proposed, agreed to, and
submitted to the people of the state:
1 ARTICLE IV
2 Sec. 55. The Great Lakes and their connecting waters are a
3 binational public treasure and are held in trust by the Great
4 Lakes states and provinces. Management of the water resources of
5 the Great Lakes and the Great Lakes basin is subject to the
6 jurisdiction, rights, and responsibilities of the Great Lakes
7 states and provinces. Effective management of the water
1 resources of the Great Lakes requires the in-basin exercise of
2 such jurisdiction, rights, and responsibilities in the interest
3 of all the people of the Great Lakes basin.
4 The Great Lakes and their connecting waters within the
5 jurisdiction of the state are hereby declared to be of paramount
6 public concern in the interest of the people. The legislature
7 shall provide for the conservation of this vital natural
8 resource.
9 Resolved further, That the foregoing amendment shall be
10 submitted to the people of the state at the next general election
11 in the manner provided by law.