Michigan asks for locks to be closed, again

By Rachel Wells

Michigan is once again asking for Chicago-area navigational locks to be closed immediately to protect Lake Michigan from Asian carp.

The U.S. Supreme Court already dismissed the matter once, despite Michigan’s claims that the invasive and ecologically damaging fish would destroy its lake-based industries.

In the new filings, Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox pointed to DNA test results that were previously omitted. The tests showed evidence that Asian carp had likely advanced to Calumet Harbor. Cox also alleged that the estimated economic costs of closing the locks were exaggerated in earlier court documents.

The Supreme Court has not yet decided whether to consider permanent lock closure. February 19 is the deadline for interested parties to file positions on the case.