History of the Economic & Environmental Roundtable

During the past century, Michigan rose rapidly as an economic power in the United States. A strong economy was built on plentiful natural resources, a strong labor force, and an efficient transportation network. As we enter the 21st century, however, the state is losing ground as the economy relies less on heavy manufacturing and more on services, agriculture, and tourism.

That shift has created different demands on the state's natural resources, particularly the Great Lakes, streams, inland lakes, groundwater, soils, and air.

At the same time, the nature of environmental problems has changed. Twenty years ago, one could see—and sometimes feel—air and water pollution. Today, those effects are much more subtle and difficult to understand. The notion that "backyard" pollution can have global consequences is slowly gaining recognition.

In the spring of 1992, the Dow Chemical Company and the Michigan United Conservation Clubs decided to jointly embark upon a new course for resolving environmental policy problems in Michigan. Tired of the adversarial style required by the political legislative policy-setting process, the two organizations determined to see if a more direct, cooperative approach to resolving environmental issues might lead to both an improved economy and improved environment in the state.

In creating the Michigan Economic & Environmental Roundtable, the two organizations embraced the principle that Michigan's environment and economy are inextricably linked; the state cannot have a healthy economy without a healthy environment, and cannot have a healthy environment without a strong economy.

Michigan's economic strength is drawn from our unique natural resources, which also are an important component for our quality of life. As a result, the state's environment and economy must be considered together if successful strategies for continued development and environmental quality are to emerge.

The Michigan Economic & Environmental Roundtable now includes a diverse membership representing business and industry, conservation and environmental organizations, local governments, agriculture, and academia. The range of perspective on the organization's board brings expertise and knowledge of a variety of environmental, economic, and social issues, facilitating a complete examination of important topics.

The group has chosen sustainable development as the cornerstone of its efforts to build a healthy economy and healthy environment in the state. Sustainable development—links between the environment and economy that encourage an enhanced quality of life in the future—can only be achieved through a full and fair examination of all sides of environmental and economic issues.

The organization has fostered debate on critical issues including sprawl, urban redevelopment, environmental cleanup, and environmental education.

The goal of the roundtable is to develop a long-term vision to provide a context for decision makers who must resolve problems in the short term. The organization recognizes that long-term planning, not constrained by the limit of political tenure, is critical.

Michigan faces formidable environmental and economic challenges in the next decade. The Michigan Economic & Environmental Roundtable can and will play an important role in assuring that balanced, thoughtful answers to those challenges are developed. Through its critical leadership and consensus-building roles, the roundtable will foster responsible public debate that can guide the state's responses to those challenges. The roundtable provides a rare opportunity to contribute to Michigan's future as both an economic force and a place of environmental quality.