St. Joe-Benton Harbor News

LANSING, Mich. — Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt and state Rep. Pauline Wendzel have raised concerns about the delays and bureaucracy faced by Michigan's blueberry growers due to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

Nesbitt criticized EGLE, stating, "Unelected bureaucrats at EGLE have stalled for more than a year, refusing to issue required permits or answer for their ongoing negligence." He expressed frustration over the impact of these delays on both growers and consumers, emphasizing the need for accountability.

Wendzel echoed these sentiments, highlighting the lack of clarity from EGLE officials. "EGLE has refused to even provide a timeline on when expected actions may be taken," Wendzel said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation as crops are already at risk due to factors like a warm winter.

The lawmakers also criticized the Whitmer administration and Lansing Democrats for introducing bills that could further complicate the situation for farmers. Wendzel expressed disappointment in the administration's approach, saying, "It’s saddening to see Gov. Whitmer and her Democrats in the Legislature do everything they can to suffocate Michigan farmers with more and more useless red tape."

Nesbitt raised broader concerns about the impact of these policies on Michigan's prosperity, stating, "While these short-sighted strategies might work for someone’s personal political ambitions, they are harmful to the prosperity of family farmers, small business owners, everyday hardworking Michiganders, and the future success of our state."

The legislators called for accountability and action to address the challenges faced by Michigan farmers, urging the government to prioritize the needs of local growers and ensure a smoother process for obtaining permits.

Senator Aric Nesbitt and state Rep. Pauline Wendzel continue to advocate for the interests of Michigan farmers and work towards resolving the issues faced by the agricultural community in the state.