2024 House Resolution 212

Whereas, Since 1993, the United Nations has designated March 22nd as World Water Day; and

Whereas, The theme of World Water Day 2024 is “water for peace”, illuminating ways water can promote peace across national boundaries”; and

Whereas, Water is not only a resource to be used and competed over – it is a human right, intrinsic to every aspect of life; and

Whereas, The long-running, close partnership between the U.S. and Canada in stewarding the Great Lakes offers a globally significant example of the peaceful prevention and resolution of binational water disputes; and

Whereas, Worsening water scarcity in arid regions of the U.S. raises the specter of demands from those regions for diversions of Great Lakes water; and

Whereas, Water is a human right; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare March 22, 2024, as Michigan Water Day and World Water Day in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That we commit ourselves to promotion of public awareness to prevent our precious water from pollution and depletion. On this day, we will celebrate and honor the pure water in our state, our country, and our world; and be it further

Resolved, That our state must be vigilant about threats to Great Lakes water that come from arid regions of the U.S., and must take actions to prevent the artificial loss of water, including strict enforcement of the Great Lakes Compact of 2008; and be it further

Resolved, That while we recognize the interconnectedness of humanity and appreciate global challenges, we also recognize our duty as Michiganders in protecting our natural resources and instilling a sense of pride in ourselves and our children for our Great Lakes; and be it further

Resolved, That we cherish and acknowledge the special responsibility of protecting Michigan’s waters for current and future generations and of assuring access to clean water and sanitation for all Michigan residents.