State Representative Sarah Roberts (D-St. Clair Shores), the Democratic vice chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee for the Department of Environmental Quality, was appointed by House Democratic Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) to co-chair the Great Lakes and Conservation Task Force which will seek to address issues facing our Great Lakes, Michigan’s biodiversity and the public’s health.
“I first became involved with protecting the Great Lakes when I worked as a community organizer with Michigan Clean Water Action, and now, as a state representative, I am honored to be a co-chair of this task force to continue efforts to engage citizens in the decisions affecting our environment here in Michigan,” said Roberts. “Along with my fellow Democratic representatives, we will fight to make sure our water, air and land are adequately protected and preserved.”
The Great Lakes and Conservation Task Force will meet on a regular basis to discuss and hear from the public on the top issues facing our environment today including: hydraulic fracturing (fracking) research and legislation; water use; wetlands protection: and wildlife and biodiversity conservation. Roberts’ co-chair on the task force is state Rep. Charles Brunner (D-Bay City). Other members of the task force are Reps. Tom Cochran (D-Mason), Fred Durhal Jr. (D-Detroit), Scott Dianda (D-Calumet), Pam Faris (D-Clio), Robert L. Kosowski (D-Westland) and Jon M. Switalski (D-Warren).
“Our Great Lakes define us, and hunting, fishing and exploring Michigan are a way of life for so many Michiganders,” continued Roberts. “I am excited to get to work and hope the public will participate in hearings we will have across the state because addressing the growing issues facing our environment will help us create beneficial policies to protect our Pure Michigan way of life.”