Governor Whitmer takes critical action on PFAS contamination in breaking announcement

LANSING - Today, Governor Whitmer announced that she will be re-establishing the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) science advisory board to study the science around exposure to PFAS. Furthermore, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will be issuing a request for rulemaking to set a drinking water maximum contaminant level (MCL) for PFAS statewide. The administration wants the MPART groups to inform the scope of the rulemaking and the standards.

"The science is clear that the 70 parts per trillion (ppt) health advisory level for PFOS and PFOA is not sufficiently protective of the health and well being of Michigan residents," said Michigan Environmental Council Energy Policy and Legislative Affairs Director Charlotte Jameson. "For years communities across Michigan have been calling on our state government to set a drinking water standard for these toxic chemicals that is grounded in science and protective of human health. We thank Governor Whitmer for listening to the concerns of Michigan residents and continuing to prioritize protecting our water by setting in motion a process to study the science around PFAS and set a drinking water standard. Only when we set this standard can Michigan begin to truly regulate and monitor the amount of PFAS in our drinking water and protect our health."

“As a member of the PFAS impacted community of Oscoda, it has been extremely disheartening to see the inaction on PFAS at the federal level and under the prior administration in our state,” said Oscoda homeowner Anthony Spaniola. “I commend Governor Whitmer for taking the initiative and acting quickly upon this issue in her new administration by pushing for a drinking water standard for these persistent chemicals. The science has clearly shown that PFAS chemicals pose serious threats to the most vulnerable among us, particularly pregnant women and children. The children are our future, and we must act swiftly to protect them.”

“The Huron River is a vital economic driver for southeast Michigan contributing $53.5 million annually in economic output. It is also the main source of drinking water for the City of Ann Arbor,” said Huron Rivershed Watershed Council Executive Director Laura Rubin. “Unsafe levels of toxic PFAS in our river are threatening not only the health of Huron watershed residents and wildlife, but also our vital outdoor recreation economy. We are thankful that Governor Whitmer is taking critical steps to address PFAS contamination and better protect the rivers and lakes that make Michigan so unique.”

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