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Grading Engler

The Metro Times contacted a number of the state's prominent environmental groups and several pro-business organizations for evaluations of Gov. Engler's environmental record, including how they would grade him on an A-to-F report card. Here are some of the comments:

 

"There's not a whole lot of positive bright spots on the environmental front under Engler. I don't think he's really interested in stopping pollution."

Nolan Bennett, Clean Water Action
Grade: F

 

"I wouldn't call them mistakes. He knew quite well what he was doing."

Julie Griess, Michigan Citizens Against Toxic Substances
Grade: F

 

"The governor's done more harm than good to Michigan's environment and certainly does not yet understand that our renewable and non-renewable natural resources are the foundation of Michigan's (anyone's) economy. Engler and his administration are perpetuating waste."

Kerrin O'Brien, Michigan Recycling Coalition
Grade: D-

 

"There's been three times as many cleanups since (Engler's changes in the polluter pay) law were enacted. ... The fees we're seeing often come from the EPA forcing the state's hand to implement environmental regulations. We much prefer dealing with the state than the EPA."

Matt Hare, Michigan Manufacturers Association
Grade: A-

 

"I think the governor has a solid record of performance over the past eight years."

Kevin Korpi, Michigan Chamber of Commerce
Grade: B+

 

"I'd be surprised to find anybody on the business side who said we got everything we wanted from the governor and the Department of Environmental Quality. By no means has it been a walk, though, for us on a lot of environmental stuff."

Lee Schwartz, Michigan Association of Homebuilders
Grade: B+