MI Eye on Bishop

Senator Bishop Denies, Defends, Offends

2010-06-02T12:23:00.002-11:00

It seems the old adage “actions speak louder than words” wasn’t applied liberally enough during Senator Mike Bishop’s childhood. And if it was, it was a lesson quickly forgone in the pursuit of higher political ground. In an interview with Michigan Now’s Chris McCarus, Sen. Bishop goes so far as to say “one of my priorities is, and has always been, environment."

This is a righteous claim, and one a savvy politician would be wise to make in a state defined by its lakes, populated by sportsmen, and still generating revenue on the back of its tourism industry. But after 12 years in the political arena, Bishop’s claim to be an environmental advocate falls resoundingly flat. His empty words only serve to highlight the discrepancy between his fumbling claims and bleak environmental voting record.

He begins the interview talking once again about the recently denied permit to build a new coal-fired power plant in Rogers City, Michigan, calling it “a political effort to block clean coal” (listen HERE). We would like to remind Senator Bishop that the decision to deny the permit was based on policy, not politics, and that clean coal is in fact an oxymoron.

He insists that promoting “clean coal” was part of the bipartisan legislation passed in 2008. That legislation, PA 295, defines advanced coal-fired electric generating facilities as “advanced cleaner energy systems." Cleaner, but not clean. Apparently Senator Bishop “would love to see wind energy, and solar energy," but clearly not enough to vote for increased mandated use of those renewable sources of energy as part of PA 295. And it’s painful to hear a legislator expound on Michigan’s outdoor beauty in the same breath with which they advocate for new polluting coal plants.

Bishop goes on to defend his environmental actions (listen HERE): Passing the Great Lakes Compact, preventing invasive species from entering the lakes, protecting the Great Lakes from water withdrawals, working with the Farm Bureau, and protecting inland trout streams. To date Senator Bishop has not taken a leadership role in defending the lakes from the invasive Asian carp, he has voted against water-withdrawal protection measures six times in the last two years. In 2007 he voted for the deregulation of factory farm pollution, and he put inland trout streams in jeopardy when he voted against SB 860 in 2008, which would have protected thriving fish populations from proposed water withdrawals.

In his political career, Sen. Bishop has voted against the environment 80% of the time, and his very real voting record stands in stark contrast to the defensive arguments he makes to McCarus.

Senator Bishop, perhaps the passion you convey in this interview for conservation and environmental protection indicates that you’re turning over a new leaf? Or perhaps it's just another carefully constructed, politically correct stump speech from a career politician.

Senator Bishop Questions the "Science" Behind Denial of Clean Air Permit

2010-05-26T10:02:00.002-11:00

Sen. Bishop spoke out on the Senate floor today with regard to Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s “shocking” denial of a clean air permit for Wolverine Power Company’s proposed plant in Rogers City, Michigan. He’s apparently shocked that the administration actually complied with both the federal Clean Air Act and Granholm’s Executive Directive 2009-2 by conducting a thorough assessment of energy alternatives before issuing permits for new coal plants. Bishop is shocked that the governor would deny the citizens of Northern Michigan the construction jobs the new power plant would provide, even if the new plant would also result in the average customer paying almost $70 more per month for energy.

Bishop’s frustration is palpable, but also unfounded. He said the governor’s justification for denying the permit, on the grounds that the plant was unnecessary and would cause utility rates to rise, was a “bogus claim, not based on any clear science or real information."

Bishop is apparently overlooking the very real scientific analysis, conducted by the state Public Service Commission, which determined the new facility was unnecessary to meet Wolverine Power’s energy capacity needs, especially considering the pattern of decreased energy demand and economic uncertainty Michigan is experiencing. The Public Service Commission’s report also reveals that based on Wolverine’s own cost estimates, construction costs of the new facility would lead to a significant rate increase. The MPSC’s report is available to the public, as is the permit denial letter that was sent to Wolverine Power.

The report is lengthy; perhaps Senator Bishop has not yet had a chance to read it. But he should have taken a look before he accused the administration of making “bogus claims."

Senator Bishop Recieves DIS-honorable Mention

2010-05-25T15:43:00.002-11:00

Allowing toxics in children’s toys, defending the myth of clean coal, picking politics over policy; Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop was guilty of all of the above in the last legislative session, and his 2009-2010 Michigan Environmental Scorecard score reflects it. Bishop scored a perfect(ly awful) 0% on this year’s scorecard, bringing his lifetime average score to a whopping 20%.

His score of 0% indicates that he voted against environmental and conservation interests 100% of the time last year. This alone should be cause for concern, but the fact that Sen. Bishop holds a powerful leadership position makes his weak environmental record even more deplorable. As the Senate Majority Leader, Bishop controls the Senate’s legislative agenda. Bishop has the power to keep environmental protection and regulatory proposals from ever reaching the floor of the Senate (for example, House Bill 4402, banning toxic lindane, which has been held hostage in Bishop’s Government Operations Committee for more than a year).

Sen. Bishop’s unfortunate environmental voting record earned him a dis-honorable mention in this year’s Environmental Scorecard.

Bishop rejects funding for "Pure Michigan"

2010-03-29T11:04:00.000-11:00

Never mind that tourism is one of the three largest income-producing industries in Michigan, or that the return on the Pure Michigan ad campaign is $3-$5 in tourism revenue on every dollar spent. Senator Mike Bishop doesn’t have time to be concerned about tourism. The legislature just last week approved $9.5 million to fund the Pure Michigan ads this summer, but Senate Republicans, lead by Bishop, rejected legislation that would have raised an additional $13 million for the ad campaign through a $2.50 per day tax on airport rental cars. Bishop said that with the state facing a huge deficit, $9.5 million was all that could be afforded. Unfortunately, that appears to be a decision Senator Bishop made on his own, since he never even allowed the rental-car tax legislation to be voted on by his fellow lawmakers.

Senator Bishop, how can we begin to erase the deficit if you suppress revenue-generating measures? The total amount dedicated to the Pure Michigan ad campaign this year is $15 million, less than half the amount raised last year, and not enough to launch another nationwide ad campaign. Michigan’s incredible natural resources are what draw people back to our state year after year, and we NEED lawmakers who will promote and protect these amazing assets!

A Little Accountability Never Hurt Anyone...

2010-03-15T02:07:00.003-11:00

The intent of www.eyeonbishop.com is to hold Senator Bishop accountable for his actions for and against the environment. Michigan LCV hopes that over time, Senator Bishop’s reaction to this site will be an improved record on environmental and conservation issues. In the short term, however, his first reaction to the site is disappointing. We had hoped that he would use the opportunity to address some of the issues reported and his contradictory statements and actions. Instead, he lashed out at both our organization and a news source from his own district. As the Rochester Citizen reported,

"Bishop said he hadn’t seen the blog and, therefore, didn’t address specific issues. But he characterized the effort as “an attack ad.”"

It is unclear to Michigan LCV how Senator Bishop could characterize something he hasn’t seen or read as an attack ad. His next statement is equally puzzling:

"“I have never heard of them. They have never participated in any policy discussions” which he attended, Bishop said" in regards to Michigan LCV.

“Just because the word environment or conservation is in their title does not mean they are,” he said. “There are people out there who are desperate, and I am so sick and tired of it.”

To this, our Executive Director responded:
“I am surprised that Senate Majority Leader Bishop was taken aback by our website. Not only did we call his office on Friday, March 5 to inform him and his staff that the site was going up on March 8, but we emailed him, too. In addition, everything on the website is factual information based on Senate Majority Leader Bishop's statements--written and/or verbal--and his actions over the course of the last many months. (You can read full coverage of Bishop’s reaction to the website, and our response, here.)

Bishop did not stop at just criticizing Michigan LCV. He also attacked the Rochester Citizen for reporting about our website, calling them an illegitimate source.

“I get blasted a lot from legitimate sources; I don’t view this as a legitimate source,” he said.

Not a legitimate source? Senator Mike Bishop, these are your own constituents you are talking about.

Nevertheless, Bishop DID say that “he understands Michigan’s environment is one of the most important issues facing the state. He said he’s supported the most responsible environmental agenda he can. But, he added, “I have the weight on my shoulders of trying to turn this state around.”

It is hard to believe that someone who received an 11% on his environmental scorecard by voting against a series of environmental and conservation measures truly believes that Michigan’s environment is an important issue. His weak voting record speaks for itself. Unfortunately, Senator Bishop fails to understand the connection between Michigan’s economic recovery and the protection and preservation of Michigan’s natural resources.

Click here for updated links to news coverage of this blog.

Let's Not Forget the Carp

2010-02-05T08:33:00.003-11:00

Despite efforts to block the invasive Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes, carp eDNA has been recently discovered in Lake Michigan. Their arrival would be devastating not only for native fish populations, but also for thousands of jobs dependent upon the Lakes’ resources and the region’s $7 billion fishing industry. Bishop’s fellow Republican, Attorney General Mike Cox, has been active in trying to combat the potential disasters that may arise from the carps’ entrance. Cox has called upon the Obama administration to respond to this pending crisis and take action, stating:

“It is our hope the bi-partisan team of Attorneys General leading the battle to protect jobs and the Lakes will have a seat at the table with the White House to help find a solution to this crisis”

Click here to read more.

To date, Senator Bishop has yet to make any statements or take any action in regards to this potentially disastrous issue. When will Senator Bishop speak out on this major issue threatening Michigan’s natural resources, the protection of which is one of his so-called priorities?

What About Clean Energy? Granholm 8, Bishop 0

2010-02-04T09:33:00.002-11:00

In tonight’s “State of the State” address, Governor Granholm mentioned energy on nearly eight different occasions. The Governor outlined how investment and progress in advanced battery manufacturing, solar technology, and other clean energy projects have begun to create jobs and reinvent our manufacturing economy.

Meanwhile, Senator Bishop, who delivered the GOP response, mentioned the importance of clean energy to Michigan’s economic recovery zero times. He said nothing about utilizing our manufacturing base to help Michigan’s economy recover and diversify our industries.

Granholm discussed the Recovery Act’s ability to invest in resources for the “clean-energy sector of our economy” and how Michigan was turning to focus on its “green belt”. Bishop, instead, talked about budget cuts. Granholm even extensively congratulated Dow’s contributions to advancements in solar energy and encouraged more investments in solar companies and growing this sector. She emphasized that job growth in the “new” Michigan will continue as long as we continue to embrace new battery technology, solar power, wind power, and capitalize on the fact that Michigan’s outstanding manufacturing base is just the place to build for the future. In addressing the 2008 Energy Bill, she mentioned how focusing on alternative energy resulted in the founding of the company CLEAResult, which provided more jobs. Again, Bishop missed the opportunity to comment on clean energy as part of a new Michigan economy.

Read Granholm’s transcript here.

The closest Bishop came to addressing environmental issues was the following statement:

“General Motors, for example, has already taken advantage of a new law passed by the Legislature in December that gives Michigan a competitive leg-up to build batteries for hybrid and electric cars. This is public policy that helps us grow this innovative industry, right here in Michigan!”

You can watch Bishop deliver his response here.

Apparently, Senator Bishop doesn’t believe that clean energy or protection of Michigan’s natural resources are critical factors in rebuilding Michigan’s economy.

New Title, Same Priorities?

2010-02-03T13:00:00.003-11:00

Mike Bishop's campaign website for Attorney General claims:

“Chief among his priorities are consolidating and restricting state government to find savings, reducing taxes for families and business, and protecting our state's cherished natural resources.”

Click Here for Campaign Website

While it is encouraging to see “protecting our state’s cherished natural resources” as a stated priority of Senator Bishop’s campaign for Attorney General, his actions speak louder than his words. Specifically, his environmental score of 11% in the last legislative session, and his lifetime average of 26%, should tell voters that protecting natural resources has never been a priority.

Senate Government Operations Committee (aka: the place where good legislation goes to die)

2010-02-02T10:15:00.001-11:00

On January 27, 2010, House Bill 4699 passed the state House by a nearly unanimous margin of 94-6. Prior to passage, it was voted out of the Great Lakes and Environment Committee by a vote of 13-0, with every Republican and democrat supporting it. This legislation would put a ban on the use of deca-BDE--a highly toxic flame retardant--in everyday products, ranging from car seats to electronics. The chemical has been linked to problems with brain and hormonal development, as well as thyroid problems and cancer. Unacceptable levels of the substance have been found in Great Lakes fish, as well as breast milk in mothers in Michigan. Safe alternatives to the chemical exist, and this legislation is long overdue. With such broad support, one would think it would sail through the Senate and promptly get to the Governor’s desk to become law, right? Wrong. Senator Bishop referred the bill to his Government Operations Committee, which rarely meets and almost never acts on anything. Logic would tell you that a bill having to do with public health and the environment should be assigned to a committee like Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, or Health Policy. Instead, this incredibly important House Bill will sit in an inactive Senate committee while Michigan residents continue to face the risks posed by the toxic substance deca-BDE. Sound familiar? Remember the Lindane bill in 2009? Same thing. Same decision maker: Senator Mike Bishop.

Budget Proposal is Unclear About Plans for the DNRE

2010-01-19T10:26:00.003-11:00

Senator Bishop’s latest budget proposal seeks to save the State $2-2.5 billion dollars. The source of some of the savings is unclear, and thankfully there is nothing directly stated about cutting the budget for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE). The plan does include strategies for creating efficiencies in government by consolidating some departments and reforming policies, but no specific mentions are made about changing the DNRE policies or practices. We hope that a more specific plan will be made available that outlines his intentions to address the lack of resources that prevents the DNRE from performing its constitutionally mandated duties. In addition, we hope that any future details of this plan will not make any cuts to the already inadequate funding for the department responsible for managing, maintaining, and protecting our natural resources that are so critical to Michigan’s economic success. Unfortunately, due to a lack of details, hope is all we have right now.

Click here to check out the overview of the proposal in greater detail.

What About Protecting Our State's Most Valuable Assets?

2010-01-06T08:47:00.002-11:00

This morning, Senator Bishop spoke to Christina Shockley of Michigan Radio’s Morning Edition about the three things he believes all Michiganders can do to improve our state.

You can listen to the conversation by clicking here.

Bishop suggested the following things Michiganders can do to improve our state: Be a proactive citizen, be a good neighbor, and set a good example, particularly for your children. Interestingly he said nothing about valuing, appreciating, exploring and protecting our natural resources, the very essence of what defines our Pure Michigan.

Bishop did say children need role models. We agree, especially ones that act in an environmentally responsible way. Our Great Lakes, forests and parks are what draw people to Michigan (hence the Pure Michigan ads). If every Michigander made the conservation of these incredible assets a priority, we could come a long way in improving our state.

A Major Step in the Wrong Direction

2009-12-17T13:05:00.001-11:00

Today, Senator Bishop voted in support of House Bill 5220. The bill, which passed in the Senate, would prohibit the Department of Environmental Quality from assessing demand and renewable alternatives before issuing a permit to an electricity generating plant. This effort, which is falsely characterized as “streamlining” the permitting process, essentially helps proposed coal plants get around the current laws on the books that are designed to assess all costs and benefits associated with the construction of coal plants, as well as ensure honest comparisons to renewable energy alternatives. This legislation passed the Senate in spite of a September report issued by the Michigan Public Service Commission that announced decisively that Michigan’s energy needs are declining, and two recently proposed coal-fired power plants are in fact not necessary to accommodate Michigan’s baseload power needs. HB 5220 is also tied to measures that would prevent state agencies (namely the DEQ) from tightening regulations on power generating plants beyond Federal standards. The passage of this bill in the Senate shows serious shortsightedness on the part of our legislators, and a breakdown of previous efforts to promote the use of clean energy in our state. In addition, if it became law, it would fast track the unnecessary construction of plants that cost anywhere from $2-5 billion dollars to build, and that cost is passed on directly to rate paying customers. In these economic times, such a burden seems ridiculous to impose on citizens.

State Parks and Outdoor Recreation- Just Another Unnecessary Luxury?

2009-12-17T10:13:00.002-11:00

Today Senator Bishop voted against a bill that designated funds collected from an annual voluntary vehicle registration surcharge to state parks, boating accesses, and other natural resource and recreation uses. Can we afford to shortchange the funding of our parks and recreation areas at a time when tourism is one of our top three industries?

Smoking Ban Passes Without Bishop's Help

2009-12-10T09:32:00.002-11:00

Once again, Senator Bishop voted against a bill that bans smoking in restaurants, bars, offices, and most other workplaces. The smoking ban passed the House today, and will go into effect in May of 2010. Bishop called the ban a "blatant overreach by government into the private business environment."

Read the article here.

If Bishop claims to be concerned about Michigan citizen’s health, why would he vote against a bill that would finally protect millions of hard-working Michigan citizens from secondhand smoke? In addition, if less people are exposed to the negative effects smoke has on health, wouldn’t the overall costs of health care decrease in Michigan? Apparently, Senator Bishop is more concerned with deregulation than public health and health care savings.

Bishop: Environment an "Unnecessary Luxury"?!

2009-09-29T13:54:00.004-11:00

In an interview with the Michigan Messenger, Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop declared that the state is in "crisis management mode", but reemphasized his opposition to any tax increases. He explained that in order to achieve a balanced budget, legislators must "determine between needs and wants".

“He (Bishop) said in the meantime, luxuries needed to be carved from the budget. Among the examples of luxuries he mentioned were things like local revenue sharing, the Michigan Promise scholarship, health care and the environment.”

There are a lot of things wrong with that statement, but the theme of shortchanging the environment is another troubling example of how Senator Bishop doesn’t understand the important connection between Michigan’s natural resources and Michigan’s economic recovery. Specifically, he seems determined to undermine one of the few bright spots in our state’s economy: tourism and recreation, which rely on a healthy environment.

Read the article here.

Lindane: Unsafe for Animals, Prisoners, the Military... but Okay for Kids?!?

2009-03-18T11:48:00.002-11:00

On March 17, a bill (HB 4402) to regulate the use of lindane (an archaic treatment for lice that is also a neurotoxin) passed the State House by a margin of 88-20 (over 20 Republican votes). The substance has been banned for lice treatment in prisons, in our military, and on farm animals, yet a doctor can still prescribe it and send a parent home with this toxic chemical for use on children.

The legislation does not prohibit use of lindane, rather it requires that it is used under the supervision of a physician. Senator Bishop assigned the bill to his committee, Government Operations, instead of Health Policy or Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs. While it would be wonderful if Senator Bishop took that action due to his passion for the issue, the reality is that he didn’t want the legislation to become law. There has been no action taken on the bill, and Senator Bishop refuses to move it.

It seems like political gamesmanship at its worst: at the price of our children’s health.

Setting Our (Low) Standards

2008-09-18T11:50:00.002-11:00

New energy legislation passed in the Senate today with a “yea” vote from Senator Bishop. Although he was skeptical over the projected number of jobs House Bill 5524 would create, he stood in support of the bill and its embarrassingly weak RPS (Renewable Portfolio) standard of 10 percent.

“He (Bishop) said Michigan's RPS was well-chosen at 10 percent, saying other states with 25 percent went for the "unattainable and unrealistic."

Click here to read the article.

This new RPS standard in Michigan is a great first step, however, it pales in comparison to other states, whose higher standards are attracting companies to relocate and invest. In Michigan, our elected leaders should be doing everything they can to attract new business to the state, and that includes a competitive RPS that will attract new businesses in the clean energy industry. Apparently, Senator Bishop is content with being mediocre.

Renewable Energy Put on the Back Burner

2008-08-28T14:32:00.001-11:00

In a statement today, Senator Bishop announced Senate Republican’s continued commitment to pursuing sources of renewable energy, but cautioned that the precarious economic situation would have an effect on efforts in this area.

"Senate Republicans recognize that the use and generation of renewable energy is one of the most important issues facing our state," said Bishop, R-Rochester. "We want to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels by using more renewable energy, but we also have to face the troubling reality that state residents are already having problems making ends meet. Therefore, we must be responsible in our approach on statewide energy policy to pursue our unified goal of energy independence, while taking every precaution to protect our already overburdened residents and job providers."

Read the article here.

How can focusing on sources for renewable energy “overburden” our residents and jobs providers? Instead, in an economy so desperate for jobs and employment, Michigan’s lawmakers should be creating incentives for manufacturing operations that are willing to adapt to the demands of the new economy, like MasTech in Manistee.

Bishop Votes "No" on Smoking Ban

2008-05-08T10:03:00.001-11:00

Senator Bishop voted against legislation today that would prohibit smoking in public places and places of employment. House Bill 4163, which passed, was designed to amend the Public Health Bill in an effort to protect the health and safety of employees working in environments where smoking is currently allowed.

Bishop Advocates for Unacceptably Low RPS Standard

2008-01-28T11:36:00.001-11:00

In an interview with WJR-Radio Senator Bishop discussed his hopes for a more productive legislative process in the upcoming year, and the importance of energy development, both as a point of collaboration between Michigan politicians and as an economic boost for the state.
He also warned against trying to adopt an unachievable Renewable Portfolio Standard.

"The political rhetoric does not match the reality. They (supporters of renewal energy) are trying to jam portfolio standards when they know full well the technology is not there. It's a pipe dream," he said.

But energy experts say that an RPS of 20% energy from renewable sources by 2020 (which is much higher than the 10% proposed before the House last week) would be achievable if it is made a priority.

Click here to read the rest of the article.

Senator Bishop’s serious lack of commitment to a reasonable RPS calls into question his supposed support of clean energy development. Without higher goals and standards, Michigan will be left behind as other states adapt to accommodate the growing renewable energy sector.

A New Plan From Senate Republicans?

2008-01-23T12:03:00.002-11:00

Today Senator Mike Bishop announced the introduction of the Senate Republican’s Clean Energy Plan, a package of legislation designed to grow Michigan’s economy while protecting its natural resources. The plan includes tax incentives to promote investment in renewable energy. Senator Bishop called the package a

“very important plan to address the state’s future energy needs, and encourage the investment in the development of clean energy in the state of Michigan.”

Let's see where this takes us...