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Dedicating Oil and Gas Royalties to the Protection of Water Resources, Land, and State Parks in Perpetuity: 2020 Michigan Election Ballot Proposal 1 Passes with Overwhelming Support from Voters

By November 8, 2020News

Representing an important victory for land conservation and public recreation in Michigan, Michigan Waterfront Alliance is happy to report that on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020 Michigan voters “elected” to support Proposal 1 in a manner that can only be described as overwhelming. Passage of Proposal 1 essentially acts to remove the Natural Resources Trust Fund cap of $800 million in principal and interest, and permits the state trust fund to (again) start receiving revenue derived from royalties associated with natural gas and oil extraction in Michigan. Demonstrating a clear commitment to the protection and improvement of Michigan’s public lands and outdoor spaces, voter approval of Proposal 1 will allow the State Parks Endowment Fund to (again) start receiving money whose expenditure will be entirely dedicated to improving, maintaining, and purchasing land for State parks; for Fund administration; require subsequent oil and gas revenue from state-owned lands to go into the Natural Resources Trust Fund; require at least 20% of Endowment Fund annual spending go toward State park improvement; and require at least 25% of Trust Fund annual spending go toward parks and public recreation areas; and at least 25% toward land conservation.