MUSKEGON – Yesterday, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) approved Nestlé’s water withdrawal permit request to increase the amount of groundwater it pumps from its well near Evart, MI, ignoring more than 80,000 public comments in opposition. In response, state Rep. Terry J. Sabo (D-Muskegon) issued the following statement:
“Michigan’s freshwater is our most precious natural resource, so it is incredibly negligent that the department charged with protecting that resource would approve a permit to pump 400 gallons a minute of it out of the ground and into the wallets of Nestle CEOs. While this administration sells our water for pennies, there are still tens of thousands of people across the state – from Grand Rapids to Flint – who are without clean drinking water. It is clear that the party in power in Lansing is not fighting for Michigan families. Though I’m appalled by MDEQ’s decision, I remain committed to protecting and preserving our natural resources for generations to come, and will continue the fight to ensure decisions like these are no longer made.”