Water victory against Nestlé

Latest


 
Editor’s note: Below are excerpts from a press release by Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation.
The citizens of Osceola township in Evart, Michigan received their just reward for several years of legal battle to enforce their own zoning ordinance in the face of Nestlés’ bullying tactics and corporate clout. The Michigan Court of Appeals reversed the decision of the Circuit Court which had ordered the township to issue a permit for a booster station in spite of its violation of local zoning ordinance.
Nestlé argued that their commercial bottled water operation is an “essential public service.” The Appeals Court said it is not. The Court simply showed “there is no legal or factual basis for considering plaintiff’s commercial water bottling operation to be a ‘public water supply’ under Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act.”
Nestlés’ claimed that public opposition to its operation improperly influenced members of the Zoning Board and the Planning Commission. The court ruled that such bodies cannot violate the law in making rulings consistent with the wishes of its constituents, but in this case, they were following the law. The Court added that people have the right to locally elect their government officials and, “that it would be improper for [local officials] to fail to take popular opinion into account.” Maryann Borden, MCWC member and Osceola Township resident says, “… Finally the Court has taken us seriously and the law has prevailed.”
Contact Peggy Case, President MCWC, at 231-275-2244, or via e-mail at hildaheron@aol.com/
See complete Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation Press Release below:
http://www.peoplestribune.org/latest-news/2019/12/10/water-victory-against-nestle/

PT Logo collage
+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

‘We Need Urgent Global Climate Action’

Eighty-nine percent of people worldwide want their governments to do more to address the global climate crisis. Conference on tipping points says situation is urgent. Meanwhile U.S. govt does more to boost fossil fuel forms of energy.

May Day 2025: United We Will Win

International Worker’s Day is celebrated on May 1st around the world. Today, the entire U.S. working class, of which immigrants comprise an integral part, is under attack. The defense of immigrants is vital to the defense of the entire working class.

White School Officer Pepper-sprayed and Kneed Black Beaumont, TX Student, Complaint says. Will Feds Act?

A 6-second video, recorded by a teacher and reviewed by the Texas Observer, shows an officer grabbing a student’s hair, kneeing her in the face, and knocking the 100-pound girl on her back.

Pope Francis Dies After Easter Plea to End War in Gaza

"In his final public message, Pope Francis decried the “terrible conflict” in Gaza.

Bring Union Brother Kilmar Home: His Deportation Is an Attack on All of Us

The deportation of union brother Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a gut punch to the labor movement, a slap in the face to every worker who dares to organize.

More from the People's Tribune