LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – State Rep. Dave Prestin says decisions made in Lansing will play a critical role in whether the Upper Peninsula can stabilize its economy and population in the coming years.
Among his top priorities for 2026 is energy policy, particularly maintaining natural gas generation in the UP and limiting rising utility costs. Prestin said increasing energy prices could drive industry out of the region.
“We are staring down a gun barrel on energy costs that stand to wipe out all of our industry,” Prestin said.
Prestin said many residents do not recognize the impact of energy policy until higher costs appear on their bills, but he believes those increases are coming if lawmakers do not act.
He is also calling for greater accountability at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, particularly around deer and predator management. Prestin said the UP’s whitetail deer population has declined sharply, affecting hunting, tourism, and local economies.
“Our whitetail population is decimated,” he said. “That’s one of the core things that we have to offer up in the UP.”
Prestin said if wolves are delisted at the federal level, the state should move toward establishing a hunting season in the Upper Peninsula. He said sportsmen have been vocal in their concerns about game management policies.
Rural health care and emergency services are another major focus. Prestin said some UP residents must travel hours, sometimes out of state, to access higher levels of trauma care.
“When you’re running emergent from Luce County headed to Green Bay, that’s how bad it is,” Prestin said.
He said improving EMS staffing, supporting volunteer firefighters, and strengthening rural hospitals are essential to public safety.
Prestin said all of his priorities are aimed at reversing the region’s long-term decline.
“The UP has been busy dying for over 30 to 40 years,” he said. “We’ve got to get busy growing.”
