Press Releases
Peters Tours Great Lakes Freighter, Highlights Importance of Commercial Shipping for Michigan
MARQUETTE, MI - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) toured the Hon. James L. Oberstar ship today in Marquette to discuss the importance of Great Lakes shipping to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula region. While there, Peters discussed the importance of the Great Lakes to enhancing trade opportunities and creating jobs in Michigan and underscored the vital role of the U.S. Coast Guard in Great Lakes shipping operations. Lake Carriers’ Association Chair and Interlake Steamship Company President Mark Barker joi… Continue Reading
06.05.15
Peters, Stabenow Announce Green Infrastructure Grant for Muskegon
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters, member of the Great Lakes Task Force, and Debbie Stabenow, Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force, today applauded the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative announcement to allocate $110,448 to the City of Muskegon to fund green infrastructure projects. The City of Muskegon plans to use the grant to install one constructed wetland, two rain gardens, and one bioswale to help the community prevent the discharge of more than 5 million gallons of untreated st… Continue Reading
06.05.15
Peters Recognizes LGBT Pride Month
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement in recognition of June as LGBT Pride Month: “Each June, we celebrate Pride Month and honor the tremendous contributions of the LGBT community, and their perseverance in the face of bigotry and discrimination. Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Riots, a watershed moment in American history that ushered in the LGBT rights movement. Now, 46 years later, we recognize Pride Month and the strides our country is maki… Continue Reading
06.03.15
Peters Urges Strong Funding for NASA Science Programs
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today announced he sent a letter to Senator Barbara Mikulski, Vice Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, urging strong funding for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s science research programs. Last month, Peters toured NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, where he saw firsthand the research being conducted on Earth Science and Heliophysics. As Ranking Member of the Space, Science, and Competitiveness Subcommittee,… Continue Reading
06.03.15
Peters, Blunt Introduce Bill to Promote Investments in Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Technology
Legislation Allows States to Use Existing Funds to Invest in Safety Technology WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Roy Blunt (MO) introduced the Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Safety Technology Investment Flexibility Act of 2015 to promote investments in vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication technology that will improve vehicle safety, reduce accidents and avoid congestion. “Connected vehicles and infrastructure are the next frontier of the American auto industry… Continue Reading
06.03.15
Senators Peters, Stabenow Announce Nearly $9 Million for Detroit Metro Airport to Rehabilitate Taxiway
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced support for the Metro Detroit Airport to rehabilitate its taxiway. The $8,800,000 grant comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation. "Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is a critical hub for Michigan's economy," Peters said. "This grant will allow the airport to make needed improvements so that it can continue to support Michigan's role as a center for trade, commerce and travel." "This investment… Continue Reading
05.29.15
Peters Tours Lafarge North America’s Alpena Cement Plant to Discuss Shipping and Manufacturing
ALPENA, MI - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today toured Lafarge North America’s Alpena Cement Plant to discuss Michigan’s manufacturing sector, Great Lakes shipping and Lafarge’s environmental investments into their Alpena Plant. Peters toured the plant’s shipping docks, wet gas scrubber and the Lafarge Quarry on his visit. “I am honored to be in Alpena to see firsthand how companies like Lafarge are promoting Michigan’s vital manufacturing industry, providing good-paying jobs for our state's… Continue Reading
05.29.15
Peters Urges Action to Address Declining Wolf Population at Isle Royale National Park
Letter Urges National Park Service to Accelerate Planning, Keep Options Open WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) sent a letter today urging the National Park Service (NPS) to consider actions to address the sharp decline of the wolf population from nine to three wolves at Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. The current estimated timeline for planning a final decision is at least two to three years, and the NPS has already indicated they will not bring new wolves to Isle Ro… Continue Reading
05.29.15
Peters Statement on Nomination of Permanent Administrator to Lead Pipeline Safety Agency
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) applauded the White House’s announcement today that Marie Therese Dominguez has been nominated to lead the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Peters, along with Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI) and eight other Senators, sent a letter last week urging the Obama Administration to nominate a permanent administrator to lead the agency, which plays a vital role in protecting communities across Michigan from spills and accidents w… Continue Reading
05.27.15
Senators Peters, Stabenow Announce Support for Southeast Michigan Fire Department
WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced support for two fire departments in Southeast Michigan to improve operations and safety. These grants come through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and the Fire Prevention and Safety Program. The Armada Township Fire Department will receive $110,715 and the Springfield Township Fire Department will receive $60,138. “Our firefighters put so much on the line to s… Continue Reading
05.27.15
Peters Cosponsors Bill to Protect LGBT Americans from Credit Discrimination
Legislation Prohibits Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity in Credit Applications WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) announced today that he is cosponsoring the Freedom from Discrimination in Credit Act (FDCA) to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity for individuals trying to secure credit. In 36 states, including Michigan, there is no law to protect individuals from credit discrimination on the basis of their sex… Continue Reading
05.26.15
Peters Tours Traverse City Whiskey Company, Highlights Bill Supporting Small Distilleries
TRAVERSE CITY, MI - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today toured Traverse City Whiskey Company and discussed bipartisan legislation he introduced last week to lower excise taxes for small craft distilleries. The Distillery Excise Tax Reform Act, which Peters introduced with Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), would lower the federal excise tax from $13.50 per proof gallon to $2.70 per proof gallon on the first 100,000 gallons produced per year. Michigan has the third highes… Continue Reading
05.26.15
Peters, Stabenow & Dingell Announce Grant to Create Ann Arbor SPARK Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Development Center
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell today announced a $247,170 grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to support the creation of a Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) Development Center in partnership with Ann Arbor SPARK to spur innovation and support creation and commercialization of new connected vehicle technologies. “This funding is a tremendous opportunity to drive innovation and development of new … Continue Reading
05.26.15
Senators Peters, Stabenow Introduce Bill to Keep Plastic Beads out of Great Lakes
Legislation Will Stop Production of Microbeads Consumed by Fish and Wildlife WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced legislation to protect the Great Lakes from pollution caused by small, plastic microbeads that are ingredients in certain soaps and personal care products. These microbeads are able to get through water treatment facilities and end up floating in the Great Lakes, where they can build up as plastic pollution and are often mistaken for … Continue Reading
05.25.15
Peters Statement on Memorial Day
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, released the following statement in honor of Memorial Day: “Today, we honor our brave men and women in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country, our freedoms and our values. These individuals leave behind a legacy of duty, honor and pride, and a state and country that is safer and stronger because of their incredible sacrifice. America stands as a beacon of hope to opp… Continue Reading
05.22.15
Peters Statement on Senate Passage of Trade Promotion Authority Legislation
WASHINGTON, DC?- U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today released the following statement on the final passage of fast track trade promotion authority legislation in the U.S. Senate: “Congress must do more to bring balance to our trade agreements and make sure American businesses and workers are getting a fair deal. I am extremely disappointed that this fast track authority does not contain strong enforcement measures that will crack down on currency manipulation or unfair trade and labor practi… Continue Reading
05.21.15
Peters Introduces Bipartisan Bill Supporting Small Distilleries
Legislation Would Reduce Excise Tax on First 100,000 Gallons of Distilled Spirits Produced WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) today introduced bipartisan legislation to support small distilleries in Michigan and across the country. The Distillery Excise Tax Reform Act would reduce the federal excise tax rate on distilled spirits from $13.50 per proof gallon to $2.70 per proof gallon on the first 100,000 gallons produced pe… Continue Reading
05.21.15
Peters, Stabenow Call for Permanent Administrator to Lead Pipeline Safety Agency
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow (MI) joined eight of their Senate colleagues to send a letter urging the White House to nominate a permanent administrator to lead the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which plays a vital role in protecting communities across Michigan from spills and accidents while ensuring the safe flow of energy products. The most recent permanent PHMSA administrator left the position in October, more than 220 days a… Continue Reading
05.21.15
Senators Peters, Stabenow Announce Support for Graafschap Fire Department
WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced $30,859 for the Graafschap Fire Department in Allegan County. This grant comes through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and the Fire Prevention and Safety Program. “Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep our families, homes, and communities safe,” said Stabenow. “These new resources will help the Graafschap Fire Department buy the equipment… Continue Reading
05.21.15
Senators Peters, Stabenow Announce Support for Sherman Township Volunteer Fire Department
WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced $24,848 for the Sherman Township Volunteer Fire Department in Keweenaw County. This grant comes through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and the Fire Prevention and Safety Program. “Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep our families, homes, and communities safe,” said Stabenow. “These new resources will help the Sherman Township Fire Depar… Continue Reading
