LANSING, Mich. (June 18, 2026) — Last week, Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) introduced Senate Bill 1038 to minimize fugitive dust pollution and better protect Michigan residents from exposure to harmful particulate matter.
“My residents in Senate District 1 have some of the highest asthma rates in the state, but this issue extends beyond our community where the health and quality of life of residents have been impacted by limited environmental protections,” said Sen. Geiss. “This commonsense legislation will protect all Michiganders and our precious climate. It’s time we hold facilities accountable for the pollution that they are creating and the downstream effects of it.”
Fugitive dust is particulate matter from roadways, construction sites, scrap yards, and other facilities that becomes airborne, eventually settles on the ground, and coats or gets into vehicles and homes. When emitted from facilities that handle toxic metals, fugitive dust facilitates the transport of toxins through the air and onto surfaces, exposing residents to a variety of health risks. Adverse health effects include, but are not limited to, aggravated asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
“One of the most common air quality complaints we hear from residents is high levels of dust from facilities that store and ship large quantities of industrial and construction material,” said Nick Leonard, Executive Director of Great Lakes Environmental Law Center. “These facilities not only create quality of life issues for neighbors, but they also present serious health risks. This bill would address both and make sure these facilities are good neighbors.”
Senate Bill 1038 would regulate fugitive dust pollution by requiring any facility that stores, handles, loads, unloads, stockpiles, or processes bulk solid materials for transport or shipment to adhere to the following standards: annually obtain a certificate of operation; adhere to site standards for dust control and material storage and handling; and install, operate, and maintain real-time PM-10 air quality monitors around the perimeter of the facility. This legislation was referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture, where it awaits further consideration.
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