Right now, we're working to preserve Michigan's open spaces, such as our farmlands, wetlands and other natural areas. We know they're critical for wildlife habitat and clean drinking water. Unfortunately, Michigan has lost more than 1,000 acres of open space in the last decade due to strip malls, new subdivisions and other developments. Developers have more control over how our communities are shaped than the people who live in them. This causes a lot of water pollution -- and frankly, is just plain ugly.
The good news is our governor and her Land Use Leadership Council task force is expected to introduce anti-sprawl legislation soon. This Fall, Students for PIRGIM will be calling on our elected officials to combat sprawl. We will be building public pressure and are going to Lansing ourselves for a Lobby Day. We will also be supporting Ann Arbor's preservation initiatives.