Whereas, Citizens of Michigan need to be conscious of the role that chemicals play in their daily lives, the benefits and hazards posed to our families, especially to our children, and the ways to prevent possible harm; and,

Whereas, Better communication between local emergency planning committees and local business, industry, retail, service, and farming sectors is necessary to increase the involvement of off-site emergency planning for hazardous materials accidents; and,

Whereas, Local emergency planning committees must become more knowledgeable and thus also raise the understanding of the citizens they serve about manufactured chemicals used or sold in the factories, companies, retail stores and farms in their area; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of May 11, 2008, as Chemical Awareness Week in Michigan as a means to support the goal of working cooperatively together to effectively address the concerns of local communities and plan for a safer future in Michigan.