LANSING — Today, state Rep. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) and state Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-Beverly Hills) introduced bills that would prohibit the spread of manure on frozen or snow-covered ground, helping prevent runoff that can jeopardize water sources.

“Algae blooms have been a consistent problem in Michigan, especially in Lake Erie,” said Rep. Hertel. “We’ve seen too many environmental crises in our state, but this one can be quickly helped with a simple intervention. This bill is a small step that will go a long way to helping our water quality and some of the most critical issues with agricultural runoff.”

SB 247 and HB 4418 are a reintroductions from the previous session and are the result of work with local stakeholder groups, including the Sierra Club of Michigan.

“The environmental and economic consequences of nutrient pollution cannot be ignored,” Sen. Bayer said. “Prohibiting fertilizer application to frozen or snow-covered ground is one way we can do more to safeguard our Great Lakes and protect the resources that Michigan families, businesses and industries rely on.”

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