Author

Dave Dempsey

Dave Dempsey is currently Senior Policy Advisor at FLOW (For Love of Water), an environmental law and policy center in Traverse City. He has 35 years' experience in environmental policy. He served as environmental advisor to former Michigan Gov. James Blanchard and as policy advisor on the staff of the International Joint Commission. He has also provided policy support to the Michigan Environmental Council and Clean Water Action. He has authored several books on the Great Lakes and water protection.

COMMENTARY

Dave Dempsey: Protecting Michigan wilderness is one of Dale Kildee’s enduring legacies

By: Dave Dempsey - October 20, 2021

When former U.S. Rep. Dale Kildee died last week at the age of 92, admirers celebrated his work on behalf of the community of Flint, his support for education and labor and his personal decency. Each of these merited praise, but one aspect of his career escaped mention in most quarters – his environmental values. […]

COMMENTARY

Dave Dempsey: It’s raining PFAS in the Sleeping Bear Dunes

By: Dave Dempsey - July 2, 2021

Every now and then, an environmental news headline jumps out at you as though it was printed in 12-inch lettering on a newspaper front page or website. That personal reaction comes not because the news is a surprise, but because it is a symbol. “It’s Raining ‘Forever Chemicals’ in the Great Lakes,” said one website […]

COMMENTARY

Dave Dempsey: Stop polluting and neglecting Michigan’s groundwater

By: Dave Dempsey - May 11, 2021

Imagine the Great Lakes 20 to 40% lower, thwarting commercial shipping, impairing recreational boating and fishing, leaving beaches and docks high and dry. Imagine 45% of Michigan’s population forced to pump water from lakes or streams many more miles away to supply their drinking water needs, while drawing down those already depleted water bodies. And […]

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