"Wetlands, Lakes Would Lose Protections Under Michigan Bill"

"LANSING, Mich. — Michigan legislators were poised Tuesday to remove legal protections from many of the state’s wetlands and other inland waterways, which provide wildlife habitat and perform vital tasks such as preventing floods.

A bill approved by a House committee would eliminate a requirement to obtain state permits before dredging, filling or otherwise degrading many waterways.

A floor vote was expected Wednesday. If approved, the measure would be returned to the Senate, which previously approved it, for consideration of minor changes made by the House."

John Flesher and David Eggert report for the Associated Press December 18, 2018.