Title
Resolution Opposing Oil Exploration and Drilling in Scio Township, Michigan
Body
Whereas, Oil exploration and drilling is proposed in Scio Township within two miles from the Ann Arbor city limits and less than one mile from the Huron River (MDEQ permit application #AI40053);
Whereas, Oil exploration and drilling can produce significant air pollution, heavy truck traffic and the risk for the release of hazardous substances above and below ground which have the possibility of traveling into or impacting the City of Ann Arbor or its primary source of drinking water, the Huron River;
Whereas, The citizens of Ann Arbor have a quality of life which is profoundly enhanced by its natural attributes such as the Huron River's recreational opportunities, its provision of municipal drinking water, and its scenic character, which could all be at risk from the said oil exploration and drilling;
Whereas, The Constitution of the State of Michigan calls for "the protection of the air, water and other natural resources of the state from pollution, impairment and destruction";
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor already prohibits "locating, sinking, drilling, casing, deepening or operating of oil wells, gas wells, and oil and gas wells and test holes for the location of natural crude oil or natural dry gas" within the City limits;
Whereas, The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (Act 110) of 2006 specifically removed the right to "regulate or control the drilling, completion, or operation of oil or gas wells" from counties and townships;
Whereas, Although representatives of West Bay Exploration have indicated they would be willing to include a prohibition on hydraulic fracturing in future leases, such a provision may not have been included in all leases signed to date.
Whereas, In October 2013 the Ann Arbor Environmental Commission passed a resolution calling for a statewide and national moratorium on horizontal hydraulic fracturing for natural gas;
Whereas, T...
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