Michigan House Republicans are proposing a five-point plan to protect the environment and clean up the state’s contaminated areas.

The plan is part of the House Land Use and Environment Committee.

Rep. Ruth Johnson, R-Holly, chairwoman of the committee, hopes to begin discussion on the bills in May.

The five principles of the plan are responsible growth, protecting lakes and rivers, assuring clean drinking water, re-energizing urban areas and preserving farmland.

Johnson said responsible growth is aimed at preserving open spaces, such as wetlands and woodlands in developed areas, but by putting houses closer together.

“The tool a township needs to have is open space preservation,” she said. “It enhances the quality of life for those living in the area.”

East Lansing planning and zoning administrator Bob Owen agrees that natural land should be protected by developers.

“I don’t see why anyone needs an acre for a house,” he said. “The land should be collectively enjoyed by all instead of parceling it out into one and two acre kingdoms.

Lou Eyde, a partner with Eyde Company, 4660 S. Hagadorn Road, a Meridian Township developing company, said he agrees land is a valuable commodity that needs to be preserved.

But he said people have personal reasons for wanting bills like the land use protection plan to pass.

“I’ve seen a lot of tree-huggers come and go,” he said. “And it’s usually because they have a selfish motive more than any altruistic reasons.”

The plan also protects Michigan’s lakes and rivers by working with the Federal Government and Canada to stop bothersome aquatic species, such as zebra mussels, from entering the Great Lakes.

“We don’t want any more of these things in our lakes,” Johnson said. “But Michigan can’t do it alone because we don’t own the Great Lakes.”

The bill would provide low-interest loans to communities that need water system upgrades, provide tax credit to homeowners needing home treatment devices and initiate a public service campaign to educate citizens on how and when to test their well water.

The plan also includes unlocking vacant land that is tied up by the government.

Rep. Paul DeWeese, R-Williamston, said the legislators would be taking about $25 million out of Michigan’s $1 billion Rainy Day Fund to make it possible for areas to apply for low-interest loans.

“The best guess is all across Michigan there would be $25 billion necessary to bring all our systems up to grade,” he said. “It is a very small dent but at least it is a beginning.”

Staff writer Jamie Gumbrecht contributed to this report.