Michigan Balks at Obama’s Stance in Asian Carp Fight, Michigan Cries Favoritism by Mark Guarino 3-5-2010

Michigan Balks at Obama’s Stance in Asian Carp Fight
Obama Backs Home State in Asian Carp Battle; Michigan Cries Favoritism
By MARK GUARINO
Jan. 9, 2010Michigan has reacted angrily to the Obama administration’s decision to back Illinois — the president’s home state — in a lawsuit about how to stop Asian carp from infesting the Great Lakes.
Michigan balks at Obama’s stance in Asian carp fight
This early Dec. 2009 photo provided by the Illinois River Biological Station via the Detroit Free Press shows Illinois River silver carp jump out of the water after being disturbed by sounds of watercraft. Michigan has reacted angrily to the Obama administration’s decision to back Illinois ? the president’s home state ? in a lawsuit about how to stop Asian carp from infesting the Great Lakes.
(Nerissa Michaels/Illinois River Biological Station via the Detroit free Press/AP Photo)

On Tuesday, U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan asked the U.S. Supreme Court to reject Michigan’s lawsuit against Illinois. The lawsuit calls for the closure of two Chicago locks on a key commercial canal that connects Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River.

On Wednesday, Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox asked for an immediate meeting with Obama and Michigan congressional leaders to discuss the matter. He said in a public statement he “is extremely disappointed by President Obama’s choice to protect the narrow interests of his home state.”

Cox says that the invasive species will put at risk $7 billion in annual revenue from Great Lakes recreational and commercial fishing and tourism.