Governor Granholm and Michigan Tribes sign accord to reduce greenhouse gasses

June 12, 2009

Sault Ste. Marie—Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and twelve Sovereign Tribes of Michigan have signed an accord to fight Global Warming by reducing greenhouse gasses. Governor Granholm and Tribal Leaders have been leading their respective nations in addressing Global Warming and re-energizing what Michigan does best, manufacture a new century’s transition to a green economy that is the fastest job creator in the state.

Governor Granholm announced a 45% reduction in fossil fuels in her State of the State address on February 3, 2009. 

On March 5, 2009 Governor Granholm also signed an agreement with the Danish Ministry of Climate and Energy.

"Native Americans in Michigan are the state's original environmentalists and understand that climate change is not confined to geographic boundaries," Granholm said at the summit hosted by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe Of Chippewa Indians, June 11, 2009. "I am pleased that the 12 tribes are working with us to reduce the threat that greenhouse emissions pose to our environment, economy and quality of life."  

Chief Fred Cantu, and the Tribal Council of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and have taken a leadership role in warning about the impacts of coal fired power plants and global warming when it comes to Michigan’s economy, Great Lakes and the health and the welfare of all citizens.

Tribal Leaders of the Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority have expressed their concerns for an unprecedented number of coal fired power plants proposed in Michigan to Vince Helwig, Michigan Director of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) on March 23, 2008 citing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and MDEQ’s failure to regulate CO2 and Mercury.

The United Tribes of Michigan adopted a resolution with concerns for the impact of coal fired power plants on the economy of Michigan, mercury contamination of the Great Lakes, the health and welfare of all Michigan citizens and urging all tribal members participate in forums reviewing proposed coal fired power plants.

One forum, the Michigan Public Service Commission is taking comments from citizens now. (Go to cleanenergynowmi.org for information on how to participate in current and future comments periods on coal fired power plants by the MPSC and MDEQ).   Tribal Leaders and Governor Granholm urge all citizens to participate in the process.

"Sault Tribe is pleased to host this event crucial to our children and our children's children - the climate of our Mother Earth.  As an Anishinaabe Nation, Sault Tribe works to conserve and respect our resources and find and develop cleaner energy sources.  We pledge to work with the tribes and the state of Michigan toward a clean tomorrow," said Sault Tribe Chairman Darwin "Joe" McCoy.
 
In addition to Granholm, the accord was also signed by leaders of the following tribes:

• Bay Mills Indian Community
• Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
• Hannahville Indian Community
• Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
• Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
• Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
• Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians
• Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians
• Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians
• Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians
• Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
• Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

You may also wish to read:

Twelve thousand young people rally for legislation on climate change

Request to DEQ to Extend Comment Period

United Tribes of Michigan Coal Resolution

Update from Washington D.C.