LANSING -- Lansing Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Virg Bernero says the oil spill in Battle Creek and the Kalamazoo River is another reminder of why Michigan and the nation needs to reduce its dependence on oil and invest in cleaner, greener energy to move forward.
"We’ve seen on TV what happened to the Gulf; now it’s hit us here at home," said Bernero in a press release dated July 28. "Our current leadership has done nothing to stop the oil and gas companies from having free range on our land. It’s time to put limitations and better safety precautions in place to protect our water and our land. These types of disasters are 100 percent preventable."
Bernero criticized current leadership, including his opponent, Speaker of the House Andy Dillon, for sitting on House Bill 4487 introduced by Rep. Fred Miller (D-Mt. Clemens) that would end unfair tax breaks for the oil and gas industry. The bill, which has languished in the House for the past three terms under Dillon’s leadership, would end the special tax rate loopholes enjoyed by the oil and gas industry.
"It’s unconscionable to put the interests of the oil companies ahead of the people of Michigan, Bernero said. "We must demand more from our elected officials to protect our precious natural resources."
Bernero's pro-environment stance and his agenda for Greening Michigan's Future have earned him endorsements from Michigan Clean Water Action, Michigan League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and the Michigan Section of the Sierra Club. He has also earned endorsements from the Michigan Education Association (MEA), the American Federation of Teachers Michigan (AFT Michigan), the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA), the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) and the Michigan AFL-CIO. *
*Editor's Note: Visit Virg Bernero's Web site to learn more about his ideas for green energy and sustainability.
Click here to read articles on this oil spill in the Kalamazoo River.
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