The Natural Resources and Environment Committee holds positions, as approved by league members at the 2023-24 Annual Meeting, on Water Resources, Energy Solutions, Waste Management, Land Use, and Air Quality. Our Committee operates as a subcommittee of the Advocacy Committee. The committee presents educational information and programs about our environment and advocates for specific issues affecting the quality of natural resources in our community and Northern Michigan area.
NATURAL RESOURCES POSITION
The League of Women Voters Grand Traverse Area (LWVGTA) supports preserving, protecting, and enhancing environmental quality through evaluation of local and regional policies and programs. LWVGTA will review and comment, when appropriate, on projects and activities in the Grand Traverse Area.
Natural Resources Position June 2023
Point of Transfer Septic Inspection - The League of Women Voters of the Grand Traverse Area (LWV-GTA) encouraged the Board of Commissioners to adopt a septic system inspection ordinance. On Sunday, Dec 15 2024, the Record-Eagle published the Natural Resources & Environment Committee letter in support of Grand Traverse County-Wide Septic System Inspections. Members of the committee have also spoken regarding the urgency of the board passing a septic code for Grand Traverse County. Approximately 25,000 homes and businesses in the county use septic systems and many of these have not been inspected in a very long time. The County Commissioners worked to formulate an ordinance with input from the County Health Department. In May 2025, the Grand Traverse County took a major step forward in protecting its waters and residents by unanimously passing a countywide septic regulation.
Beginning January 1, 2026, any property with a septic system that is located within 300 feet of surface water–defined as any above-ground body of water such as lakes, ponds, streams, or rivers–must be evaluated before it can be sold or transferred. This requirement will be enforced as determined by the County Health Department. This is not just a technical requirement; it’s a foundational piece of public health infrastructure. Properly functioning septic systems are essential to preventing pathogens, as well as nutrient and chemical pollution from entering our waters and groundwater.
Record-Eagle Forum Letter Supporting County-Wide Septic Inspection Ordinance
Video - Flushing the Future - The Challenge of Failing Septic Systems
Action Items!
Visit the LWV Michigan TAKE ACTION to find your government officials and contact them about an issue important to you, or use one of the set LWVMI Michigan action items.
We support a statewide septic code. Nearly 1.5 million homes in Michigan have a septic system. Michigan is the only state in the US that does not have any regulations affecting onsite wastewater treatment systems (septic systems) after they are installed. LWVMI voted to support SB 771 which would authorize EGLE and local health departments to inspect onsite wastewater treatment systems and regulate their installation, repair and replacement. EGLE would have to establish a statewide sewage code within 3 years that would include maintenance and performance standards and protections for public health and the environment. Contact your MI Rep and Senator to show your support for passing this legislation.
Keep Michigan's Clean Energy Act. HB 5710 and 5711 would repeal Michigan’s 2023 Clean and Renewable Energy Law. Contact your MI Rep and Senator to oppose repeal of our Clean and Renewable Energy Laws.
Learn about Data Centers. View a presentation co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Michigan's Environmental Network and the Michigan Climate Action Network. Speakers included: Lee Shaver, Senior Energy Analyst with the Union of Concerned Scientists, Prescott Balch, Retired Technology Executive, Boratha Tan, Senior Regulatory Manager for the Midwest at Vote Solar and Chris Gilmer-Hall, Policy Association, MI Environmental Justice Coalition.
Data Centers, What Michiganders Need to Know
Camp Grayling Restoration Advisory Board - A Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) provides a collaborative forum for the community, government agencies, tribes, and installation decision makers to discuss and identify the most efficient and productive means to restore the environment at military installations and properties in the US. The Camp Grayling RAB has been working to resolve the PFAS investigations and remediation activities. Here is a link to information collected and updated by Kirtland Community College of the Camp Grayling RAB. Email RAB Camp Grayling
Camp Grayling RAB Info
EGLE Press Release - funding for portions of the Grayling Township Water Extension