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A nuclear power company in Canada has axed its plan to place radioactive waste on the Lake Huron shore, Rep. Gary Howell (R-Deerfield Township) announced on June 29, according to Michigan House Republicans. 

Howell, who serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources, has been openly against the company’s plans. He subsequently introduced House Concurrent Resolution 12 to fight against the proposal, calling on the government in Canada to refrain from moving forward. HCR 12 also said Congress should step in if needed to stop the action. 

“Those opposed to the shoreline sites have long questioned the ability of the power company and the Canadian government to maintain the safety of an underground facility,” he said, according to Michigan House Republicans. “Any proposal to use a site on the Great Lakes for nuclear waste storage is an affront to the cooperation between our two nations that has protected the Great Lakes for decades.”

Rep. Gary Howell | Michigan House Republicans

During his testimony, Howell pointed out several concerns about the company's dumping waste at Lake Huron. He mentioned damage to drinking water and a potential ecological disaster, along with potential damage to natural resources.

Even though Lake Huron is no longer an option, there’s another site that has come up as a possibility for disposing of nuclear waste, which sits 15 miles from the lakeshore. This spot could also be hazardous to the Great Lakes. 

Howell maintains that it’s vital to keep the historic lakes healthy and safe. 

“Our Great Lakes are valuable beyond measure, and I will continue to fight until this misguided project has been completely abandoned,” Howell added, according to Michigan House Republicans. “This is a high-risk venture that could create long-term devastating effects on our most precious natural resources. While we can claim a partial victory today, we must continue to defend the Great Lakes for our children and grandchildren.”