Panel delays Michigan PFAS standards

An oversight board stacked with appointees from GOP former Gov. Rick Snyder this week voted to halt the implementation of tougher PFAS standards in Michigan.

The Environmental Rules Review Committee that includes business and industry representatives met Thursday and decided to table the discussion until Nov. 14 on standards for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances put forth by current Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). The Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) had advanced the new tougher rules for PFAS, otherwise known as “forever chemicals.”

Report: Michigan has most PFAS sites in the nation

Michigan has the highest number of PFAS sites in the nation, although that is likely, in part, due to aggressive testing. A statewide study released this summer found that 10% of Michigan drinking water systems contain PFAS, which are found in everything from nonstick pans to firefighting foam.

Environmentalists have criticized the board as a “polluter panel” and blasted its decision.

“As we predicted when this legislation passed in 2018, a review panel stacked with industry representatives with conflicts of interest has needlessly delayed critical public health protections for our drinking water,” said Charlotte Jameson of the Michigan Environmental Council. “Michigan is facing a public health crisis in the form of drinking water contaminated by highly toxic PFAS and Michiganders are calling out for stronger protections for their health and well being. Unfortunately a panel filled largely with unelected industry representatives voted to kick the can down the road, effectively holding these critical protections hostage.”