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A state board has given an anti-fracking group the green light to move forward with gathering signatures to place a question on the November, 2016 ballot that would outlaw fracking in Michigan.
It’s the third time the Committee to Ban Fracking in Michigan has tried to get the question on a ballot – failing in 2012 and 2014. Tuesday the Michigan Board of State Canvassers okayed the groups petitions they’ll circulate to get signatures.
Luanne Kozma with the Committee to Ban Fracking in Michigan expects the third time to be the charm as the issue gains more attention statewide, which she says has resulted in more people wanting to volunteer or sign the eventual petition.
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce, however, argued against the groups plans. Chamber General Counsel Jim Holcomb calls the petitions deceitful.
“They’re attacking property rights, they’re impairing contracts — there’s a lot of negative consequences and the public is just not being informed,” said Holcomb.
Volunteers for the anti-fracking group are expected to hit the streets with petitions on Memorial Day weekend.
