E-M:/ Broad Coalition Supports Moratorium on CAFOs in Michigan

Broad Coalition Demands Halt on Animal Factory Growth in Michigan

National, State, and Local groups ask legislature to protect air, water, public health

Thirty-nine organizations have signed a letter to the Michigan Legislature demanding the enactment of a moratorium blocking any new or expanding concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in Michigan for five years. The organizations join at least six other entities, including two county commissions, in calling a halt in the proliferation of CAFOs in order to protect public health, waterways, and property values.

Religious, civic, agricultural and environmental groups focus joined the call, citing the numerous threats that CAFOs pose to ground water, air quality and rural economies. National, state, and local organizations are represented in the coalition.

The Michigan budget crisis makes effective management and policing of CAFO permits nearly impossible, denotes the letter. Michigan does not have the regulatory or financial infrastructure to adequately monitor the approximately 200 facilities already existing in the state, and would be unable to accommodate further growth of the industry.

Signatories:

Alliance for the Great Lakes

Citizens for Water and Clean Sky

Clean Water Action

Clinton River Watershed Council

East Michigan Environmental Action Council

Environment Michigan

Environmental Integrity Project

Environmentally Concerned Citizens Organization (ECCO)

Farms Without Harm

Greater Grand Rapids Food Systems Council

Huron Environmental Activists League

Huron River Watershed Council

Interfaith Climate Change Network

Izaak Walton League of America-Dwight Lydell Chapter

League of Conservation Voters

Lone Tree Council

Michigan Botanical Club

Michigan Citizens Against Toxic Substances

Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation

Michigan Environmental Council (MEC)

Michigan Farmers Union

Michigan Land Use Institute (MLUI)

Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund

Michigan Natural Areas Council

Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance (MOFFA )

Michigan Public Health Association

Mona Lake Watershed Council

Muskegon Save our Shorelines

National Family Farm Coalition

National Wildlife Federation

Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council

Public Interest Research Group in Michigan (PIRGIM)

Sierra Club Michigan Chapter

St. Clair Channelkeeper

The Leadership Council of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

Upper Peninsula Enviromental Coalition

Voices for Earth Justice

Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay

Western Lake Erie Waterkeeper

Passed independent resolutions:

American Public Health Association

Environmentally Concerned Citizens of South Central Michigan

Lenawee County Board of Commissioners

Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners

Michigan State Medical Society

National Catholic Rural Life Conference