Walberg Calls for Congress to Empower Michigan Regarding Importation of Canadian Trash

Press Release

WALBERG CALLS FOR CONGRESS TO EMPOWER MICHIGAN REGARDING IMPORTATION OF CANADIAN TRASH

U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) this afternoon delivered the following speech on the House floor regarding the International Solid Waste Importation and Management Act, legislation reducing the importation of solid waste from Canada. Congressman Walberg is an original co-sponsor of the bill, which will be voted on today in the House.

"Since 1992, Michigan has not been able to control the millions of tons of trash entering our state from Canada, and the problem continues.

"Every day over 400 trucks from Canada dump trash into our state; these trucks come barreling across the border without inspection and examination raising a viable national security threat.

"At this time, our state government has almost no say in whether Michigan should accept the over 4 million tons of trash and hazardous waste from Canada every year.

"Michigan instituted laws banning Canadian trash in 1988, but the Supreme Court struck down these laws a mere four years later and ruled that Congress has not granted such authority to our state.

"For too long Michigan has had its hands tied by the federal government, and it is time to let decisions about the integrity and safety of our land be made by those who inhabit the land.

"I urge my colleagues to support the ‘International Solid Waste Importation and Management Act' and empower Michigan to make certain the beauty and safety of our land remains intact for generations of Michiganders to enjoy in the future."

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