Steve Cortes, CNN Political Commentator (left) & Angela Rigas, Michigan House Representative (right) | Office Holder website
Steve Cortes, CNN Political Commentator (left) & Angela Rigas, Michigan House Representative (right) | Office Holder website
State Representatives David Martin and Angela Rigas have criticized the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) following a June House Committee hearing. The hearing on June 25 featured testimony from Ted Nugent and focused on alleged unfair practices by the DNR in enforcing the Invasive Species Order related to domesticated pigs.
The Weaponization of State Government Oversight Subcommittee, chaired by Rigas, previously heard from hog farmers who claimed that the DNR used subjective guidelines to identify and eliminate pigs resembling Russian Boar without scientific backing. Characteristics like ear floppiness or tail curliness were cited as criteria.
Following these hearings, Assistant Attorney General Keith D. Underkoffler filed a court request asking Judge Richard J. Garcia to support the DNR's actions against certain ranchers' pigs. Garcia has ruled against some hog farmers in past cases.
"Our system is supposed to operate on good governance and the rule of law," Martin stated, expressing concern about potential financial impacts on farmers if the judge supports the order.
Rigas also voiced concerns about perceived overreach by state authorities, stating: "The DNR has been running completely unchecked and overfunded."
A hearing on this motion is set for July 29 at 1:30 PM at the 30th Judicial Circuit Court in Ingham County.
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