In 1997, Michigan chose to split its Department of Natural Resources in two, much like the current proposal for Wisconsin.  The result, according to the Michigan Environmental Council (a coalition of more than 50 environmental, public health and faith based organizations), has been a "turning the clock back on protection of our air, water, land and health."

The Council has prepared a three part report documenting a stunning array of cases where the five-year-old Michigan DEQ has supported corporate profits over public health and has defied public will.  The reports also document communities and resources threatened by DEQ policies.

A general summary from the first report, "Dereliction of Duty: How the Department of Environmental Quality Endangers Michigan’s Environment and Public Health" can be seen by clicking here.

To view each of the reports in their entirety, click on the following links.  You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them.  (If you don't have this, click here for a free download.)  The reports will take a minute or two to load depending on your modem speed.

• "Dereliction of Duty: How the Department of Environmental Quality Endangers Michigan’s Environment and Public Health"
• "Continuing Dereliction of Duty:  How Michigan's Environmental Agency Defies the Law and the Public"
• "Survivors of the DEQ: Citizens Demand Reform of Michigan's Department of Environmental Quality"