1st day of hearings a victory; three more days of hearings this week
More than 100 individuals stood before the MDEQ on the first day of public hearings and sent a resounding message – the Kennecott Eagle Mine is not welcome here.
Congratulations and thanks are owed to all who stood up and voiced their concerns about the faulty mine application, the need to protect this special place and the vote of no confidence in the MDEQ’s ability to provide regulatory oversight. Truly, we were impressed by the thoughtful messages you delivered and the passion with which you delivered them.
Turn-out to the Marquette hearing was so high, MDEQ staff took testimony for 2 hours beyond the 9:30pm advertised end of the hearing. In roughly 9 hours of testimony, only 14 individuals spoke in favor of the project, with 112 expressing opposition.
With three more days of hearings this week, it is anticipated that Kennecott will attempt to turn out more favorable testimony in coming days, so we must keep up the heat.
If you were unable to attend the Marquette hearing, it’s not too late. We urge you to provide your testimony at any of the following dates & times:
Tuesday, September 11 … 1-4:30pm & 6-9:30pm
Wednesday, September 12 …1-4:30pm & 6-9:30pm
Thursday, September 13 …1-4:30pm
The West Branch Community Center is located at: 301 Avenue A, Forsyth Township, Michigan, (located on the old K.I. Sawyer AFB, approximately 3.5 miles from County Road 553, just behind the MDEQ UP District office)
Save the Wild UP will have an information table set up at the Community Center with supporting materials and literature. Look for SWUP staff and volunteers for additional assistance.