Having attended Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s speech on the environment, I came away from the event incredibly motivated to work even harder to help protect Michigan's forests, rivers and lakes.

One of Kennedy's most compelling points, and one that bears repeating, is that environmental issues are not Democrat or Republican issues. Sulfur dioxide in the air we breathe, lead in the water we drink and mercury in the fish we eat does not care if we live in a blue or red state.

Especially here in Michigan, the natural beauty of this state is apparent to everyone who spends time outdoors, whether that is with a deer blind and a bow or hiking boots and a walking stick. I think most people would agree that all of our elected leaders need to concentrate on crossing that party line more often in order to reduce toxic pollution, conserve and efficiently manage the state's natural resources and protect the public health of our generations and of those yet to come.

Ross Hammersley
MSU College of Law student
and vice president of the Environmental Law Society