Michigan Sues Illinois – Michigan reopened a 1922 lawsuit against Illinois over water canals linked to the Mississippi in order to prevent Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes.
The lawsuit between Michigan and Illinois centers on the reversal of the Chicago River a century ago, to send the city’s sewage to the Mississippi River instead of into Lake Michigan, which was once hailed as an engineering marvel.
Now Michigan is suing Illinois in the Supreme Court to potentially re-reverse the river to prevent the movement of voracious, invasive Asian carp into the lake.
Michigan’s suit, filed December 21, reopens a 1922 lawsuit filed by Great Lakes states challenging Chicago’s right to divert water.
That suit resulted in a consent decree limiting the amount of water Chicago sends to the Mississippi.
Michigan’s suit against Illinois also calls for a preliminary injunction to force the temporary closure of locks, used for flood control and navigation.
“It’s a matter of self-defense economically and ecologically for Michigan,” said Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox.
And that’s the latest news on the Asian carp legal battle where Michigan sues Illinois.
Tags: asian carp, great lakes, invasive species, lawsuit, Michigan Sues Illinois