Bill would restore state’s ability to set higher standards to safeguard families, communities
LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Sean McCann (D–Kalamazoo) today introduced a bill to set the highest and best standards for Michigan’s drinking water.
Senate Bill 103 would repeal Public Act 602 of 2018, which prohibits the state from setting standards that implement the best science and practices to safeguard Michigan’s water resources.
“The people of Kalamazoo County, and across Michigan, are facing major threats to our environment, including PFAS in our water — a toxin the federal government still refuses to take seriously. We cannot solely rely on basic federal standards to protect our citizens,” Sen. McCann said. “It is critical that we restore our flexibility to set standards that take Michigan’s specific needs into consideration.”
Federal regulations are generally weaker than state regulations and often exclude stronger, well-established data unique to each state. Existing law requires that state officials spend time and taxpayer dollars building a case for better protections any time they exceed the national standard. This delays the adoption of best practices and leaves Michigan residents vulnerable.
“This bill will help all Michigan officials do what they were hired or elected to do: protect our families and communities,” Sen. McCann said.
This is Sen. McCann’s first bill of the 100th Legislature.
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