And we’ll show you two ways to help. Together, we can be a voice for change and protect Michigan’s land, air, water, public health, and democracy.
March 29th, 2024
The Michigan Strategic Fund, under Governor Whitmer’s leadership, championed the approval of a $50 million grant for the Copperwood mining project in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. While the project could have some fleeting economic benefits, Michigan LCV opposes it due to the severe and long-lasting environmental risks it poses to the surrounding area, including the Porcupine Mountains State Park and Lake Superior.
The project would mine copper, but it would also leave behind over 30 million tons of toxic waste. This mine waste would be stored near Lake Superior, which contains 10% of the world’s surface freshwater. Michigan LCV has raised alarms about the environmental hazards this waste presents—particularly the risk of contamination from potential spills, which could have devastating consequences for the region’s ecosystems and local communities who depend on clean water and recreational tourism.
While Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Strategic Fund focus on the economic promises and meager job creation, Michigan LCV believes the environmental risks are too great to ignore. The potential for harm to Michigan’s wilderness and its most precious natural resource—water—makes this decision a dangerous one for the state’s future. We urge Governor Whitmer to reconsider her support for this project in the future and prioritize safeguarding Michigan’s natural heritage over short-term economic gain.