This Thursday a bill will be introduced by state representative Julie Brixie to end the absurd prohibition on Dark Sky Preserves in the Upper Peninsula (which are perfectly legal just south of the Mackinac Bridge). But the new bill won’t stand a chance unless it wins the support of U.P. lawmakers. Now we need specifically U.P. residents to pick up the phone and place a personal call to their state representative — you’ll find contact info at the bottom of this message.
All you need to say is:
“Hello, my name is ____________ and I reside at _________, so I’m one of your constituents. I’m calling today to ask the representative to co-sponsor and support the bill to end the prohibition on Dark Sky Preserves in the Upper Peninsula. Thank you.”
Ending this ban will restore freedom to the market, correct a legal imbalance between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, and open an avenue for the U.P. to protect and profit from the quality of its night skies, to the benefit of the ecology, the economy, and human stargazers. All a Dark Sky Preserve requires is downward-facing lights, and it has no impact on other activities within or around the Preserve. More info here.
Starting Tuesday, a request will be sent to U.P. lawmakers asking for co-sponsorship of the bill. If there isn’t co-sponsorship from a U.P. lawmaker, the bill won’t advance, so they need to hear from us now. Call on Monday, call on Tuesday, call on Wednesday, call on Thursday, but sooner is better. We need every U.P. state representative to hear directly from their constituents!
Non-residents are welcome to call these politicians as well, but we ask that you emphasize the economic factor: tell them how much you’d love to bring your tourist dollars to a U.P. Dark Sky Preserve and surrounding businesses. Thank you!
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Representative David Prestin DavePrestin@house.mi.gov — (517) 373-0156
Representative Karl Bohnak KarlBohnak@house.mi.gov — (517) 373-0498
Representative Parker Fairbairn ParkerFairbairn@house.mi.gov — (517) 373-2629
Representative Greg Markkanen GregMarkkanen@house.mi.gov — (517) 373-0850
Not sure which representative is yours? Find out here: https://www.house.mi.gov/
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