In 1995 six citizens groups joined with Pleasanton Township in Manistee County and formed the Michigan Energy Reform Coalition, now a project of the Institute, to challenge the lax state oversight of the industry. Through grassroots organizing, economic analysis, investigative reporting, and communications, the Coalition has been effective in Lansing and across northern Michigan. It now has 30 organizations and eight townships, representing more than 200,000 citizens. The group has achieved improvements in policy at the state level, and the reduction of environmental harm at the local level.
Citizens are much more aware of their rights.
Local political leaders are exerting more authority over industry activities. The media has become well-versed in the issues, and oil and gas development is a running story in newspapers, television and radio. The Legislature has approved six new laws to reduce environmental damage and financial harm to mineral owners. Twelve more reform bills are pending. The 22,000-acre Jordan Valley in Antrim County remains off limits to drilling.