A state Senate committee has voted to send a controversial gravel mining bill to the full Senate.
The bill would let gravel mining companies dig anywhere they can make a profit. That includes within a few hundred feet from homes, or even if the mine would cause serious environmental damage.
Victor Dzenowagis is with a group that opposes a gravel company trying to start a mine near a Superfund site.
He says the bill is terrible for Michigan residents.
"It strips away from we the people our right to control our communities," said Dzenowagis. "And to me it's just breathtaking, the audacity that is behind this bill, we can put a gravel pit anywhere we want."
Gravel companies say local townships are placing too many onerous restrictions on new gravel mines.