On April 24, 15 members of Michigan 4-H gathered at the Farnum Building to present a proposal for oil spill response techniques to members of the Michigan Senate committee on Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes. The youth presented to Sens. Arlon Meekhof, Mike Green, Phil Pavlov (committee vice chairperson), Tom Casperson (chair) and Rebekah Warren on their five months of research on current laws relevant to oil spills and the need for change.

The youth are members of the Michigan 4-H Conservation Council (M4-HYCC).Its main objective is to provide 4-H members with the opportunity to study, analyze and develop insights on environmental issues in Michigan.  These 4-H’ers showed up prepared to discuss pipelines, oil spill prevention plans, on-scene coordinators, equipment and cost. The presentation focused on why the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) should appoint on-scene coordinators for damaging oil spills.

“There was not an outcome decided, although the senators seemed interested in the proposal,” said Extension educator Darren Bagley.

In past years, the M4-HYCC has presented proposals that have caused the Senate to change laws in Michigan.

“The presentation to the Senators went well,” Bagley said. “The council members made a strong case and will be following up in hopes of protecting the people and the environment of Michigan.”

M4-HYCC is a Michigan State University Extension program offered to Michigan youths ages 13-19. Click here for more information on M4-HYCC.