Reps. Yanez, Hertel, Sabo, Cambensy, Faris, Brinks, Phelps, Sowerby, Hoadley, Chirkun, Yaroch, Lucido, Farrington, Marino, Hornberger, Hughes, Chang, Clemente, Cochran, Elder, Gay-Dagnogo, Geiss, Green, Greig, Hammoud, Kelly, Lasinski, Liberati, Maturen, Moss, Pagan, Singh, Sneller, Wittenberg and Zemke offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 285.

            A resolution to declare March 22, 2018, as United Nations Water Day in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted on December 10, 1948, to prevent tragedies like those of the Second World War and strive for the security of humanity. Article 25 of the Declaration states that “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family.” It is important that we, as citizens of a United Nations Member State, recognize this important day to reaffirm our commitment to helping others and working together for a more tranquil and healthy world; and

            Whereas, United Nations Water Day recognizes the importance of clean water as a human right; clean water is integral to the global economy and international security, and nearly 1.5 billion laborers around the world work in water-related sectors; and

            Whereas, Water stores over two million terawatt hours per year; the world’s annual energy consumption is 150,000 terawatt hours per year; and

            Whereas, Lake Superior contains enough water to submerge North and South America under one foot of fresh water; and

            Whereas, 525,886 jobs in Michigan are directly connected to the Great Lakes; and

            Whereas, The Great Lakes make up one-fifth of the world’s fresh water supply; and

            Whereas, The Great Lakes are a source of drinking water for about 40 million people; and

            Whereas, March 22 has been celebrated as United Nations Water Day since 1993. The United Nations serves people of all backgrounds and is committed to upholding the values of human rights; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare March 22, 2018, as United Nations Water Day in the state of Michigan. It is with great honor and appreciation that we take this time to join other states and nations in expressing our commitment to the availability of water; On this day, we will celebrate and honor the noble goal of pure water in our state, our country, and our world.