Michigan Environmentalists Mostly Pleased With Progress

Despite shortcomings, environmentalists are praising the state government on their work to protect the environment. "The state took its first steps to control urban sprawl and preserve rural landscapes. Those were the subject of more than 100 recommendations by the Michigan Land Use Leadership Council, a bipartisan group appointed by Granholm and Republican legislative leaders. The council's proposal to let municipal governments create joint planning commissions has been signed into law. More controversial recommendations remain on the drawing board, including some that could direct more state resources into cities and discourage development of new suburban subdivisions."