michigan currents

2012 was a successful year for Clean Water Action. Clean Water Action members helped win more protections for Michigan’s Great Lakes and natural resources from harmful pollution and advanced the fight for clean energy. Despite a few setbacks, it is clear that people want the state to move toward a clean energy future with more jobs and better health for their families and our environment. Clean Water Action is leading the charge — and Clean Water Action members will continue to make the difference in 2013.

In the past year, Clean Water Action elected dozens of clean water leaders to the state legislature and Congress, protected Lake St. Clair from storm water runoff, supported Michigan innovation in auto technology, built a broad base of clean energy supporters, and worked to protect the Great Lakes from fracking.

Priorities for 2013 include fighting to boost Michigan’s economy, protect Michigan’s health and environment for future generations by pushing for changes to the state’s energy policy, holding elected leaders accountable, and giving a voice to local communities facing threats from pollution. Read More

Map: Coal Ash Disposal Locations in Michigan: Click to EnlargeCoal ash, the toxic waste left over when coal is burned to create electricity, is contaminating Michigan’s Great Lakes, ground and surface water, air and land. You can find it leaking from landfills and storage ponds across the state. We have found at least eleven proven cases of coal ash contamination in Michigan.  Find out if your community is being affected by coal ash here!

Coal ash contains a toxic mix of substances known to be hazardous, including heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, lead, and selenium.   The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that a community’s cancer rate is as high as one in fifty when  drinking water is polluted with arsenic.  Lead, mercury, and other heavy metals in coal ash may also cause developmental disabilities in children.  We’re leading the fight to protect our communities from coal ash – will you join us?