Casperson Land-Use Bill Vetoed By Snyder

Governor Rick Snyder has vetoed a bill that would have prohibited the state from making land-use decisions based on biodiversity.

Supporters of the bill say it was to protect landowner rights.

But the governor says biodiversity “is essential to how our world-class natural resources are managed.”

The veto was applauded by the Michigan Environmental Council, who said the measure would have made it more difficult for the state to provide good stewardship to Michigan’s environment.

The governor, in his veto, noted that the bill also could have had a negative impact on the forest industry.

State Senate Republican Tom Casperson of Escanaba says the bill was designed to prevent the state from infringing on the rights of landowners.

Casperson says he does not know if he will re-introduce the bill, but he believes it’s an issue they have to stay on top of.