Hello team,
Over the next few weeks, EGLE — the regulatory agency responsible for issuing Copperwood's permits — is holding a series of public sessions on the MI Healthy Climate Plan. This is an excellent opportunity for us to make our voices heard, both virtually and in person. If they care about Health, Climate, or the Environment and Great Lakes their title represents, then why exactly are they permitting Copperwood, an assault against all-of-the-above?
Here's the schedule:
- Nov. 29 in Detroit, in partnership with Southeast Michigan Council of Governments at the Zero Net Energy Center, 1358 Abbott St.
- Nov. 30 in Grand Rapids, in partnership with Grand Valley Metro Council at the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health, 333 Michigan St. NE.
- Dec. 5 in Flint, at the Old Flint Journal Building, 200 E. First St., Room 132.
- Dec. 6 in Marquette, at Northern Michigan University, 1401 Presque Isle Ave.
- Dec. 12 in Petoskey, at North Central Michigan College, 1515 Howard St.
- Dec. 14 online.
- Dec. 18 online.
- Comments or questions also can be submitted to EGLE’s Office of Climate and Energy (OCE) at EGLE-OCE@Michigan.gov.
The press release reads, "Want to share your thoughts on top priorities for climate action in Michigan?"
Sure guys, here are a few thoughts for you:
—If you truly care about reducing greenhouse gases, then why are permitting projects like Copperwood when mining is responsible for 26% of CO2 emissions worldwide?
—If you truly care about a "Healthy" Climate Plan, surely that must prioritize the integrity of freshwater above all else, right? But Copperwood would be the closest sulfide mine to Lake Superior in history, and there has never been such an operation which did not contaminate water. According to the National Wildlife Federation: "Toxic waste from sulfide mining is extremely damaging to fish and wildlife, and not a single one of 3,000 sulfide mines has ever operated without damaging environmental releases."
—Why exactly is Copperwood being allowed to move forward when its Environmental Assessment was conducted over ten years ago in a period of drought and low rainfall? Since then, Gogebic County has observed an average of 8 inches higher rainfall per year. And whereas Highland Copper has designed their infrastructure anticipating only 50- and 100-year storm events, since that time we've seen a 1000-year storm event in extreme proximity to the mine site. The climate may be changing, but their plans are not, and it is extraordinarily negligent to allow such a dangerous project to advance using obsolete data.
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If you're able, attending one of these events is a great way to ramp up your participation to the next level. Signing a petition is just the start— we've got to build momentum and hold responsible parties accountable. Remember, EGLE is the reason forest has been clearcut, streams rerouted, and wetlands destroyed this the summer at the Mine site, and if the Mine is finally developed, the blood will be on their hands. But if we put on the pressure, EGLE might do their jobs of actually protecting the Environment and Great Lakes, rather than selling it off to multinational profiteers.
If you aren't from in-state, reach out to family, friends, and absolute strangers in Michigan! Let us know how it goes: ProtectThePorkies@gmail.com
Until next time!