Few people, if any, did more to protect Michiganders from PFAS than AJ Birkbeck.
The West Michigan attorney joined forces with citizen sleuths and scientists to hold a Rockford tannery accountable for fouling groundwater with legacy pollution. By building bridges, rattling cages, protecting activists and creating a sound legal strategy, AJ helped force the tannery to clean up its pollution, create statewide PFAS laws and make a nation aware of the impact of these "forever chemicals."
AJ passed away surrounded by family in November 2021. In honor of AJ's selfless work, the Michigan Environmental Council and the PFAS Alliance have created the AJ Birkbeck Scholarship Fund.
Just as Michigan’s PFAS progress would not be possible without everyday people leading the fight, the Scholarship will not be possible without you. Please make a donation of any size below.
With your help, the Scholarship Fund will award Michigan college students $15,000 annually to conduct community projects and research that continue AJ's legacy. It will propel the PFAS movement toward a future where the chemicals' threats are no more, and it will honor Birkbeck and his legacy.
You can learn more about AJ Birkbeck and his place in the PFAS fight on our blog.