License plates support causes, but how many is too many?

By JENNA CHAPMAN
Capital News Service
LANSING – All Great Lakes drivers have something in common: They can buy license plates that benefit the environment. The causes are as diverse as protecting water, funding nature preserves and saving river otters. Michigan offers 27 plates, including four focusing on the environment and one for lighthouse preservation. That number pales in comparison to Ohio where 164 specialty plates are available, including two that benefit Lake Erie projects. All that variety has drawbacks for some environmental causes, and the increasing competition for specialty plate sales means fewer drivers are buying environmental plates.