John James’ Record on Great Lakes Protection Under Scrutiny in Michigan Governor Race
John James, a Republican contender in the Michigan gubernatorial race, has come under scrutiny for his environmental voting record, particularly concerning the Great Lakes. Despite his pledges to safeguard these crucial water resources, James’ legislative actions have sparked debate.
The Great Lakes are vital to Michigan, serving as a major source of drinking water and supporting recreation and tourism. Concerns have arisen over the Trump administration’s environmental policy shifts, which have included efforts to relax regulations and consider oil drilling in the region.
In May, James expressed his opposition to both oil drilling in the Great Lakes and water diversion, as noted in his interview with Bridge Michigan. These comments echoed his 2020 stance when he publicly “disagreed” with former President Donald Trump’s proposal to cut federal funding for the lakes, as reported by Politico.
However, James’ voting record tells a different story. In 2023, he voted against a bipartisan energy bill amendment that sought to prohibit oil and gas drilling in the Great Lakes. The International Joint Commission, which oversees the shared waterways of the U.S. and Canada, has previously highlighted the severe risks posed by potential oil spills.
The commission warned in 2018 that “the lakes provide the largest source of fresh surface water for almost 40 million people” and emphasized the significant threat an oil spill could pose to drinking water sources, as detailed on their website.
Furthermore, James later supported rescinding a rule that expanded the Clean Water Act’s coverage, a move that was ultimately vetoed by President Joe Biden. This rule would have offered additional protections to wetlands and smaller waterways.
The PERMIT Act, another legislative measure backed by James, aims to reform the Clean Water Act’s reach. While it passed the House with predominant Republican support, it awaits Senate consideration. Environmental organizations have voiced concerns over its potential to increase pollution in the Great Lakes and raise water costs, impacting Detroit residents’ water affordability.
Tiana Starks, a community advocate, shared with Planet Detroit, “Water affordability is already a crisis for Detroiters. We know that there are about 60,000 households currently struggling to pay their water bills. Adding any additional cost to Detroiters could put us over the edge.”
James also missed a crucial House vote in March 2026, which aimed to extend federal funding for restoration projects in the Great Lakes area.
His Democratic opponent, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, has emphasized Great Lakes protection as a key campaign issue. Her campaign platform states, “Fifteen million people in the Great Lakes region get their drinking water from the Great Lakes,” and stresses the importance of preserving Michigan’s natural resources amid climate change challenges.
For more information, read the full article on American Journal News.
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