Rep. Roberts Appointed to Great Lakes Task Force

State Rep. Sarah Roberts, D-St. Clair Shores, has been appointed by the House Democratic Leader to co-chair the Great Lakes and Conservation Task Force.

The task force will will address issues facing our Great Lakes, Michigan's biodiversity and the public's health, according to a release.

"I first became involved with protecting the Great Lakes when I worked as a community organizer with Michigan Clean Water Action, and now, as a state representative, I am honored to be a co-chair of this task force to continue efforts to engage citizens in the decisions affecting our environment here in Michigan," Roberts said in a release. "Along with my fellow Democratic representatives, we will fight to make sure our water, air and land are adequately protected and preserved."

Roberts' will co-chair the task force with State Rep. Charles Brunner, D-Bay City, and will meet on a regular basis to discuss and hear from the public on issues including:

• Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) research and legislation; 
• Water use; 
• Wetlands protection,
• Wildlife and biodiversity conservation.

"Our Great Lakes define us, and hunting, fishing and exploring Michigan are a way of life for so many Michiganders," Roberts added in the release. "I am excited to get to work and hope the public will participate in hearings we will have across the state because addressing the growing issues facing our environment will help us create beneficial policies to protect our Pure Michigan way of life."