Port Huron January 17, 2006
Democratic, Republican plans don’t provide suitable remedy
The one thing certain about the influx of Canadian trash into Michigan is the overwhelming majority of the state’s residents want it stopped. The problem, of course, is state leaders have few ways to keep it out.
State Democrats have been more vocal about the garbage flow. Their opposition resonates strongly in the Blue Water Area. About 415 truckloads of Canadian trash cross the Blue Water Bridge every day.
With Michigan residents demanding an end to this unpleasant import, Democrats propose raising trash-dumping fees from 21 cents to $7.50 a ton and banning new landfill construction until 2010. The reform probably would reduce the number of Canadian trash trucks, but it also could pose hardship on Michiganders.
Raising the dumping fees against out-of-state trash, Canadian or otherwise, would be illegal. It would constitute restraint of interstate commerce, something the U.S. Supreme Court ruled states don’t have the power to do. Therefore, the rate increase would have to be applied across the board.
State Democrats want Michigan residents to vote on the proposal. Although, its intent – to reduce the influx of trash from Canada – is good, its effect would be mixed.
State Republicans’ approach isn’t much better. The GOP plan would ban foreign trash shipments into Michigan, but the proposed legislation depends on Congress first passing a law that gives states the power to do so.
Michigan continues to hope federal lawmakers would enact such legislation. Despite this state’s need, Congress doesn’t appear to be in any hurry. Calls for such action have been made for more than a decade with no result.
Sadly, the unavoidable truth is neither Michigan’s voters nor its lawmakers are in a position to grant real relief from the garbage influx, and it’s frustrating that federal lawmakers are taking no action.
State Democrats and Republicans understand, however, that Canadian trash is a hot-button issue, and they are trying to respond as best they can. Unfortunately, the solution is beyond their reach.
Originally published January 17, 2006
