LANSING – One of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s two nominees for the Natural Resources Commission is drawing criticism after the governor appointed both a DTE Energy executive and a well-known conservationist to the commission.
Trevor Lauer of Bloomfield Hills, the vice chair and group president of DTE Energy, and George Lindquist of Negaunee, a former president of Michigan United Conservation Clubs, were nominated in early October. If approved by the Senate, they would begin their terms on Jan. 1, 2027, and serve until 2030.
Natural Resources commissioners’ responsibilities include regulating game and sportfish and establishing hunting and fishing seasons.
In announcing Lauer’s appointment, Whitmer’s office described him as an “avid sportsman” and cited his experience as a member of Hunters Creek Club, a 1,400-acre hunting club in Metamora, Lapeer County, and the Six Rivers Land Conservancy, which, according to its website, operates in Genesee, Macomb, Lapeer, Oakland and St. Clair counties.
“Trevor’s a perfect fit for the Natural Resources Commission,” said Charles Mann, the president of the Hunter’s Creek Club.
“He comes from a hunting and fishing family. His dad was a game boarder in Pennsylvania. He carries on that tradition with his brothers and sons annually, and he’ll do the right thing for hunters and fishermen and natural resources of Michigan,” Mann said.
But Emily Smith, the land and water conservation policy manager of the Michigan Environmental Council, said some critics see Lauer’s connections to DTE Energy as a signal that conservation is becoming less of a priority for Whitmer’s office.
“I do think that it’s a huge shift,” said Smith, speaking about Lauer’s appointment. “Like they’re making business and development more of a priority over conservation.”
His company, DTE Energy, is often criticized for rising electricity rates and support for hyperscale data centers, issues that are outside the commission’s authority. Lauer himself has advocated for data centers in his role at DTE Energy.
Lauer said he was unavailable for an interview and declined to comment on his priorities for the commission.
If approved, Lauer would replace Commissioner John Walters of Indian River, whose term expires on Dec. 31. Walters declined to comment on Lauer’s nomination.
George Lindquist, in addition to being the past president of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, is a member of UP Whitetails of Marquette County, the Big Bay Sportsmen’s Club and the UP Sportsmen’s Alliance. He formerly belonged to the West UP Citizen’s Advisory Committee to the Department of Natural Resources.
“It’s kind of exciting, you know,” said Lindquist, speaking on his nomination.
He said he learned from former commission Chair Keith Charters that in voting on an issue, “when in doubt, err on the side of the resource. That’s something I’ve tried to follow in my own life.”
He would replace David Nyberg of Gladstone, whose term expires at the end of this year.
Nyberg said that he is happy about Lindquist’s appointment and believes he will do a
“phenomenal job”.
“I’ve known George for almost 20 years, and I’ve always known him to be one of the most passionate and dedicated conservationists,” said Nyberg. “He’s a humble and dedicated conservationist, and very well respected and well connected throughout conservation circles in the Upper Peninsula.”
Alexander Boesch reports for Capital News Service, a program of the Michigan State University School of Journalism. Capital News Service
