Ignoring Great Lakes at Democratic debate was 'unacceptable' to environmentalists
Activists are disappointed Michigan environmental issues played a small role during both nights of the Democratic primary debates in Detroit last week.
The Great Lakes were not mentioned by any of the 20 Democratic primary candidates who participated in the debates. Environmental issues took a back seat to other topics during the debates, despite Michigan activists pressuring the Democratic National Committee to put more focus on clean water and climate change in Detroit.
Bob Allison, deputy director for Michigan League of Conservation Voters, said extensive polling conducted during the last two years show protecting drinking water from toxic contamination is the top issue among Michigan voters. Allison said the scant discussion on the Great Lakes, PFAS contamination and lead water pipes across the state is “unacceptable.”
"Every single (candidate) has a plan on climate change that speaks to very detailed policy agendas,' Allison said. “What we’ve been saying is people need to hear you talk about it in specificity, of how you will move to action. This election presents an enormous opportunity to really elevate the environment as a key litmus test. In Michigan and the Great Lakes region, these are issues that ... voters are judging candidates on.”
Read more: https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2019/08/ignoring-great-lakes-at-democratic-debate-was-unacceptable-to-environmentalists.html
