Whitmer Administration Advances Safe Drinking Water Rules for Michiganders
Friday, February 28, 2020
Contact:
Christy McGillivray, christy.mcgillivray@sierraclub.org and Sonya Lunder, sonya.lunder@sierraclub.org
Lansing, MI-- Yesterday, the Michigan Environmental Rules Review Committee (ERRC) voted to allow the rule-making process to move forward on cleaning up per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the drinking water of over one million Michiganders. PFAS chemicals are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because of how long they linger in the environment. They do not break down in the human body, and are linked to several health dangers like cancer, reproductive and immune system failures, and developmental harm in children.
The drinking water standards proposed by the Michigan’s PFAS action response team (MPART) establish maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for seven per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals. These would apply to about 2,700 water supplies in Michigan. The MCLs are the regulatory tool that will make it possible for Michigan to begin regulating toxic PFAS chemicals in drinking water.
In response to the decision, Christy McGillivray, Legislative Director at the Sierra Club’s Michigan Chapter released the following statement:
"The Sierra Club Michigan Chapter applauds the Whitmer administration for advancing PFAS drinking water standards-- prioritizing the health of Michiganders for today and the future. These standards are a step in the right direction. As we continue to uncover the extent of PFAS pollution in our communities, it is absolutely critical we quickly move these standards forward. We look forward to working with the Whitmer administration to ensure safe and clean drinking water is available to everyone in Michigan.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.
Friday, February 28, 2020
Contact:
Christy McGillivray, christy.mcgillivray@sierraclub.org and Sonya Lunder, sonya.lunder@sierraclub.org
Lansing, MI-- Yesterday, the Michigan Environmental Rules Review Committee (ERRC) voted to allow the rule-making process to move forward on cleaning up per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the drinking water of over one million Michiganders. PFAS chemicals are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because of how long they linger in the environment. They do not break down in the human body, and are linked to several health dangers like cancer, reproductive and immune system failures, and developmental harm in children.
The drinking water standards proposed by the Michigan’s PFAS action response team (MPART) establish maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for seven per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals. These would apply to about 2,700 water supplies in Michigan. The MCLs are the regulatory tool that will make it possible for Michigan to begin regulating toxic PFAS chemicals in drinking water.
In response to the decision, Christy McGillivray, Legislative Director at the Sierra Club’s Michigan Chapter released the following statement:
"The Sierra Club Michigan Chapter applauds the Whitmer administration for advancing PFAS drinking water standards-- prioritizing the health of Michiganders for today and the future. These standards are a step in the right direction. As we continue to uncover the extent of PFAS pollution in our communities, it is absolutely critical we quickly move these standards forward. We look forward to working with the Whitmer administration to ensure safe and clean drinking water is available to everyone in Michigan.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.
