LANSING - Today, February 4, the Whitmer administration issued multiple executive directives which will result in a major reorganization of Michigan’s environmental quality departments and needed progress in tackling PFAS contamination and climate change. The Governor’s office announced that the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will be replaced by a new department called the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, which will include a new Office of Energy and Climate Change and will bring back the Office of the Great Lakes from the Department of Natural Resources. The directives also highlight the Governor’s commitment to promoting environmental justice and public health with the establishment of an Interagency Environmental Justice Response Team and the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate. The Michigan Environmental Council had the following to say in support:

LANSING - Today, February 1, Governor Whitmer issued an executive directive (ED) that makes it clear that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is important to her administration and encourages state departments to work with residents who request information. The ED includes ways in which state departments could enhance their transparency, including holding more publically accessible meetings. It also asks for departments to name a liaison who will provide assistance for people navigating the FOIA process and to create advocates in transparency when available. Michigan Environmental Council issued the following statement in support:

One month into 2019, and new and old elected officials are getting settled here in Lansing, but there is no time to waste. A whole slew of public health and environmental issues are threatening Michigan and its residents. Decision-makers in the Capitol need to deal with these issues thoroughly and swiftly, but they do not have to do it alone. Michigan Environmental Council and Michigan League of Conservation Voters, in conjunction with our many member and partner organizations, have put together an Environmental Roadmap for lawmakers and the new administration, a multi-year plan for addressing Michigan’s top environmental and public health challenges.