Michigan LCV calls on lawmakers to reject bills that put polluters in charge of public health, environment

Michigan LCV calls on lawmakers to reject bills that put polluters in charge of public health, environment

LANSING – The Michigan League of Conservation Voters today called on the Michigan House to reject Senate Bills 652 and 653 – coined the “Fox Guarding the Hen House” Acts. The proposed legislation would give polluters and special interests decision-making authority over the Department of Environmental Quality. The bills were voted out of the House Competitiveness Committee today, and will now be considered by the full House of Representatives for a vote. Michigan LCV has been engaged in an ongoing effort to oppose this legislation since its introduction.

“From the Upper Peninsula to Dearborn, thousands of Michiganders have voiced opposition to giving big polluters authority over the DEQ, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle should listen to Michigan citizens and abandon this misguided legislation,” said Lisa Wozniak, executive director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “As we saw in Flint, a weakened DEQ can lead to disaster, and if this legislation goes forward, the health of Michigan families will be put at risk.”

“At a time when drinking water across the state is contaminated with toxic PFAS and 65-year-old Line 5 continues to pump millions of gallons of oil underneath the Straits of Mackinac each day, we need a robust, independent DEQ, not one beholden to corporations,” added Wozniak.

###

Contact: Katie Parrish, [email protected], (239) 537-9507