September 20, 2023 - Legislation to require young children to be screened for lead poisoning cleared its final hurdle Tuesday and is on track to be sent to the governor’s desk.

Members of the Senate concurred Tuesday in an H-1 substitute for HB 4200 Trackedby a 27-10 vote without debate.

Under HB 4200 and SB 31 Tracked, children would be required to be tested for lead poisoning at certain ages and the tests would be recorded on their certificate of immunization. The Department of Health and Human Services would be required to develop rules for implementing the changes. House members passed SB 31 last week.

Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint) said the legislation will help increase protections for children from lead poisoning.

“This is just going to make sure that we help parents know if their child is being exposed and be able to address that exposure,” Cherry said.

He said when someone tests for lead in their blood, the information would be sent on to their local health department so that they can help provide remediation for the source of the lead, whether it be water, lead paint or soil.

Cherry said further steps to help address lead exposure would include legislation waiting on votes in the House to require schools and day care centers to have filtered bottle-filling stations and faucets specific for drinking water (See Gongwer Michigan Report, April 20, 2023).

Cherry said support for the lead testing bills is strong in his district.

“Flint was kind of the canary in the coal mine on this,” Cherry said. “We want to make sure we’re taking those lessons … to try to help everyone else before similar things happen.”

As passed, the bill would require children in the state to be tested for lead poisoning at 12-months old and 24-months old, beginning January 1, 2024. One more test would be required between the ages of 2 and 6 if the child has no previous record of being tested.

Children living in areas with a high risk of lead poisoning would have to be tested at age 4.

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New measure will help thousands of children each year 

Michigan moved closer to ending lead poisoning today when state lawmakers passed legislation to expand testing.

Senate Bill 31, sponsored by Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint), and House Bill 4200, sponsored by Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) would incorporate two lead tests into the checkup routines of all Michigan children. If lead is detected, children would be treated accordingly and tested more often.

Under current law, only children on Medicaid are required to be tested for lead. But not all children who are exposed to the toxic metal are on Medicaid. About 70% of Michigan homes—the most common source of lead poisoning—were built before 1978, the year lead paint was banned. This means that the 4,000 or so children diagnosed with lead poisoning in Michigan each year is likely an undercount.

See the latest lead levels in your community

"It's a great day for children's health and the health and wellness of the people of Michigan," said TaNiccia Henry—co-leader of the Detroit Lead Advocacy Parent Group, whose grandson was poisoned by lead in Henry's own home. "Lead testing needs to be mandatory for every single child, and the problem I have right next door is the reason why."

The day the lead bills passed the Legislature, next-door renovators showered Henry's home with potentially lead-laden dust, so she shut her windows and called local officials. She said the universal testing legislation will give parents the knowledge and resources to protect their kids.

The legislation is the result of years of advocacy and education from Henry and the other 184 members of the Michigan Alliance for Lead Safe Homes (MIALSH). 

"Universal lead testing would not be possible without the parents and healthcare workers who spent 13 years fighting for it," said Melissa Cooper Sargent, environmental health advocate for the Ecology Center. "Now, lead poisoning can be caught and treated before it devastates children's mental and physical development. All children will be better able to thrive at school, at home, and with friends."

The lead testing bills’ movement comes as other lead poisoning prevention policies gain traction in the Legislature. Bills to install lead water filters in all schools and childcare centers are poised for passage. A bill that would move a key federal remediation program under state control has also been introduced.

"Universal testing will have the most profound impact on ending lead poisoning since lead paint was banned in 1978," said Ellen Vial, Detroit program manager for the Michigan Environmental Council, which has convened MIALSH since its creation. "When paired with other great health legislation underway, 2023 could be a year of truly transformational change."

Now, MIALSH will work to prepare families, organizations, and health departments for the shift toward universal lead testing. It will also continue to educate lawmakers about its other top priorities: lead-safe home repairs and inspections.  

Millions of pounds of lead wheel weights contaminate the environment, exposing people to a highly toxic heavy metal

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 22, 2023 — Public health advocates represented by Earthjustice today sued the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its unreasonable delay in regulating lead wheel weights, despite granting the advocates’ 2009 petition requesting regulation of the manufacture, processing, and distribution of lead wheel weights.   

EPA granted the petition nearly 14 years ago but has yet to regulate lead wheel weights. Lead wheel weights are used to balance car wheels. Banning their manufacture, processing, and distribution would protect public health by eliminating a source of lead exposure.  

“It is well known that lead is a highly toxic substance for which there is no safe level of exposure, yet EPA continues to permit the manufacture, processing, and distribution of lead wheel weights,” said Earthjustice Attorney Lakendra Barajas. ”EPA must act now to eliminate this unnecessary source of lead exposure and threat to public health.”  

Wheel weights are clipped to rims of automobile wheels for balance, but they often come loose and fall off, releasing about 1.6 million pounds of lead into the environment during regular driving every year, according to EPA. This lead ends up in waterways via storm sewers or in landfills after street cleaning, poisoning fish, wildlife, and communities. The Biden administration placed significant emphasis on lowering lead exposure. Regulating lead wheel weights plays a pivotal role in this necessary objective. 

Lead exposure causes an array of health issues, such as neurodevelopmental harm, cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, cancer, kidney damage, and fertility problems. Despite lead’s known toxicity, EPA still allows the manufacture, processing, and distribution of lead wheel weights. Yet non-lead wheel weights can balance tires just as effectively. In fact, many wheel weights now sold are made of zinc or steel rather than lead. EPA has no excuse to postpone regulating lead wheel weights.  

Several states have already regulated the manufacturing and installation of lead wheel weights within their borders, and some national tire retailers have voluntarily stopped installing lead wheel weights. However, this state-by-state approach has failed to eliminate the lead wheel weight market and does not restrict international imports or interstate transit of lead wheel weights. 

Quotes from our clients: 

“We refuse to stand idle while lead wheel weights persist as a threat to our children’s health,” said Queen Zakia Shabazz, founder of United Parents Against Lead & Other Environmental Hazards. “EPA’s inaction on this matter is inexcusable, considering the proven harms of lead exposure. It’s time for the EPA to stand up for our children by regulating lead wheel weights. The Biden administration made lead exposure reduction a key goal. Regulating lead wheel weights is critical in achieving this much-needed goal. Let’s prioritize our children’s health and the wellbeing of our communities over preventable lead pollution.” 

“Today’s lawsuit against the EPA is a vital step to address the unjustifiable delay in regulating lead wheel weights,” said Kaya Allan Sugerman, director of Illegal Toxic Threats at the Center for Environmental Health. “With more than a decade-long wait since granting the petition, it’s high time for the EPA to banish the continued production, processing, and distribution of lead wheel weights. This is about safeguarding public health, eradicating a hazardous lead source, and championing alternatives that can effectively balance tires without harming our environment.” 

“We’re witnessing the grim reality of these weights releasing lead into our environment, poisoning wildlife, waterways, and harming human health,” said Doris Cellarius from Sierra Club’s National Toxics Team. “EPA must end this dangerous practice by banning lead wheel weight manufacturing, processing, and distribution. Let’s transition to safer alternatives and ensure a cleaner, healthier future for all.” 

“Industry, automakers and public health advocates have been asking for EPA action for two decades; further delay is unacceptable,” said Jeff Gearhart, research director from the Ecology Center. “Europe, Canada and most western nations have already banned this lead use to protect public health. By dragging its feet on regulating lead wheel weights, the EPA is failing in its duty to protect public health and the environment.” 

Clean School Buses Get a Big Boost

June 29 was a good day for Michigan’s clean transportation. That’s when the legislature finalized the state’s 2024  budget, which included historic new funding programs for clean and electric vehicles and support for charging infrastructure.

Highlights include:

• $125 million for clean school buses; 
• $110 million for expanding public transit and innovative new mobility projects;
• $21 million for clean energy and electric vehicle infrastructure projects;
• $5 million for Lake Michigan EV charging circuit; and
• $1 million for transitioning the state’s fleet to EVs.

We are especially excited about the funding for electric school buses. Most of Michigan’s 17,000 school buses run on diesel fuel, the exhaust from which has been linked to children’s health issues, including asthma and cognitive development. Electric school buses have zero tailpipe emissions. They can also save school districts thousands of dollars per year on fuel and maintenance. This new funding thus makes our communities safer for children while saving taxpayer money in the long term. Definitely a reason to celebrate!    

The budget also included important new funding to expand public transit and mobility projects, as well as new funds to support EV charging infrastructure, especially along Lake Michigan. These funds will complement new federal funding for EV charging stations along major highway corridors.  

Despite these budget wins, however, we still have miles to go. The Governor had included several other clean transportation programs in her Executive budget proposal that the legislature declined to fund. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s recent State Transportation Electrification Scorecard, Michigan still ranks 26th among states for policies that support electric vehicle adoption. That is an improvement from 2021 when we were in 29th place.  However, Michigan needs to be leading the country on these policies if it wants to maintain its standing as the leading auto state. We clearly have more work to do. 

Specifically, we need to pick up the items from the Governor’s budget that got left behind and, at the same time, work to adopt other proactive state policies that spur EV adoption, like clean vehicle and fuel standards. Budget-related items that still need funding include: 

• Purchase incentives on new and used vehicles  to make electric cars more affordable;
• Incentives for additional charging infrastructure, especially to support access for those that can’t charge at home; and
• Funding to help local government fleet vehicles transition to electric.

We know that your support is why we have made it this far. Thank you so much for staying engaged, responding to our action alerts, and helping us move toward equitable clean energy. Together, we will continue shaping the future and creating a safer, cleaner, more sustainable world.   

Lansing, MI (June 29th, 2023) – Yesterday, the Michigan legislature passed the state’s annual budget in bipartisan fashion, including a historic $125 million in funding to help school districts across the state bring the benefits of zero-tailpipe-emissions electric school buses to their communities.

In a crucial step toward ensuring the transition to electric school buses is equitable, this funding will prioritize low income and rural school districts, school districts in areas most affected by air pollution, and other environmental justice factors.

Most of Michigan’s nearly 17,000 school buses run on diesel fuel, exposing children across the state to diesel exhaust pollution, which has proven links to serious physical health issues such as asthma and other respiratory illnesses as well as cognitive development impacts. Electric school buses have zero tailpipe emissions of harmful air pollutants, are responsible for the lowest greenhouse gas emissions of any school bus type – even when accounting for emissions from the generation of electric power – and can save school districts thousands of dollars per year on fuel and maintenance.

Building on the Governor’s Executive Budget recommendation, this funding will complement the rebate awards received by 25 Michigan school districts through the first round of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program, a program which, while offering unprecedented federal funding for electric school buses, represents only a small fraction of the funding needed to transition all school buses away from diesel fuel to electric. In fact, an additional 53 Michigan school districts requested electric school buses in the first round of Clean School Bus Program funding but were waitlisted.

This victory is due in part to the tireless work of organizations in the state such as the Electrification Coalition, Michigan Environmental Council, Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision, MI Air MI Health, Clean Fuels Michigan, NAACP Grand Rapids, Action for the Climate Emergency, Ecology Center, Environmental Law & Policy Center and others.

Said Sue Gander, Director of WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative:

“This year’s budget marks a turning point for the 800,000 students in Michigan who depend on the yellow bus to get to school. With this investment, school districts throughout the state can leave toxic diesel pollution in the rear-view mirror and join hundreds of other districts across the country in bringing the benefits of electric school buses to their communities. The air quality and health benefits of electric buses are especially critical for underserved communities, including those near bus depots, who too often bear the burden of transportation pollution. We applaud Governor Whitmer for leading the way in this effort to deliver a healthy ride to school for Michigan’s kids, while generating economic opportunity and protecting our climate. We urge the state, and look forward to working with them, to implement these funds in a manner that maximizes the air quality, health and climate benefits of the program and the opportunities for electrification.”

Said Kindra Weid, RN, air quality advocate, and coalition coordinator of It’s Electric!, Michigan’s electric school bus coalition:

“We are very pleased to hear of the $125 million dedicated to clean school buses for Michigan’s school children.  When air quality, climate and public health are at the front of our minds, protecting our children from dirty tailpipe emissions on their way to school just makes sense.  School districts across Michigan have already displayed success and demand for electric school buses, and this funding will help to support further rollouts- especially among our communities hit first and worst by air pollution.  This action from Michigan’s legislature shows they are putting children’s health, air quality, climate and equity front and center.” 

Said Ross Gavin, Urban Land Use & Infrastructure Policy Director at Michigan Environmental Council:

"We are glad to see the legislature and Governor include significant investments for electric school buses. This critical funding will help school districts phase out aging diesel school buses that emit dangerous exhaust pollution and put our kids at risk for health complications, while also reducing environmental impact as we work to tackle climate change. While it is unfortunate that alternative fuel buses also qualify for this funding, we look forward to working with the department to ensure the money is used for truly zero emissions, electric vehicles—which are safest for our kids."

Said Susan Mudd, Senior Policy Advocate at the Environmental Law & Policy Center:

“The Environmental Law & Policy Center applauds the Michigan state legislature for passing its budget that includes a $125 million Michigan Clean School Bus Program. We were proud to work with other Michigan-based groups to advocate for funding safe, clean buses that will reduce school children’s exposure to diesel emissions that are harmful to their developing lungs. Swapping out loud, dirty diesels for quieter zero-emission electric buses will also improve air quality for entire communities where these buses travel. This program represents the biggest commitment to electric school buses of any Midwest state and continues Michigan’s leadership demonstrated earlier by its successful rollout of Volkswagen funds for ESBs.”

Said Katrina Morris, Executive Director of Michigan Association of Pupil Transportation:

“Investing in a transition to cleaner school buses shows us where Michigan’s priorities lie: in the health and safety of school children.  Electric school buses are already arriving at school districts across Michigan, and not only are these buses safe, clean and quiet, but they are also performing well in cold weather and they are saving districts money on fuel and maintenance.  MAPT applauds this budget investment in a clean ride for kids and we look forward to helping roll out these cleaner buses across the state.” 

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Settlement provisions include closing dangerous coal plants years ahead of schedule, adding thousands of megawatts of renewable energy 

Lansing, MI (July 12, 2023) – Today, Michigan utility giant DTE Energy agreed to a landmark settlement in its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). Signatories to the agreement include Vote Solar, Union of Concerned Scientists, and Ecology Center, all represented by the Environmental Law and Policy Center and known collectively as the Clean Energy Organizations. If approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), the agreement will close the polluting Monroe coal plant years ahead of the current plan, add nearly 3600 megawatts of renewable energy to the grid by 2030, and drive acceleration of equitable clean energy solutions for DTE’s 2.3 million customers. 

“Today’s agreement is a step forward for Michigan’s clean energy transition, and a beacon of what’s possible when policy know-how, regulatory expertise, and community voices converge,” says Will Kenworthy, Vote Solar’s Senior Regulatory Director for the Midwest. “The progress represented in the settlement simply wouldn’t have been possible without a strong coalition that recognized the need to center equity and put people first. That said, we cannot rest on our laurels. We’re looking to the Michigan legislature to advance the kind of bold clean energy agenda that Michiganders have made clear they’re ready for. There is more work to be done on ensuring grid equity, improving reliability, and increasing affordability.” 

One provision is an increase of the distributed generation cap from 1 percent to 6 percent in DTE’s service territory. Michigan’s statewide 1 percent cap on distributed energy resources like rooftop solar remains one of the strictest in the nation. It has long been criticized by activists, the solar industry, and lawmakers across the political spectrum. Last year, the Clean Energy Organizations successfully negotiated a 2 percent increase on distributed generation for the other major Michigan utility, Consumers Energy. A bill to eliminate the distributed generation cap is one of several pieces of clean energy legislation that advocates are urging lawmakers to pass when they return to Lansing in the fall. 

The agreement also includes a 2032 closure date for the Monroe coal-fired power plant, the third-largest greenhouse gas emitter in the country. This 2032 closure would come seven years before DTE’s current plan and two years earlier than what was initially proposed in the IRP. DTE also agrees to consider a 2030 retirement date in its next IRP, a provision the Clean Energy Organizations argued as necessary. Expert analysis calculates that the settlement would avoid $432-$972 million in total health costs and 39-87 premature deaths that would otherwise be caused by burning coal at the units through 2035 under DTE’s original proposal. Additionally, ceasing coal burning at DTE’s Belle River plant in 2025-2026 — as opposed to the currently planned closure date of 2028 — will prevent an estimated 71-159 premature deaths each year that the plant is not burning coal.

“A swift transition away from coal and a bigger commitment to renewables is an absolute necessity as we transition to a healthy clean energy future,” says Alexis Blizman, Policy Director at Ecology Center. “Accelerated coal retirement, replaced with clean renewable energy, will have widespread implications for air quality and public health. There’s no question that this will save lives.”

As an additional condition of the settlement, DTE Energy agrees to allocate $38 million to organizations and programs designed to provide bill payment assistance and energy upgrades to income-qualified families. DTE customers already face steep energy bills, with low-wealth households paying disproportionate percentages of their household income. 

Of that $38 million, $8 million will help implement home readiness, energy efficiency, distributed generation and energy storage programs for low-income communities.

“DTE’s $8 million contribution to fund renewable energy investment in low-income communities is, quite frankly, thrilling,” says Environmental Law & Policy Center Associate Attorney Daniel Abrams. “This will help address two critical concerns of our clients. First, that low-income Michigan families will be provided sustainable, enduring means to lower their energy bills. Second, that the clean energy revolution leaves no one behind.” 

DTE Energy’s proposed IRP was filed in November of 2022. Since then, hundreds of Michigan residents have weighed in on the proposed plan via written comments or testimony at public hearings. In March, the Clean Energy Organizations filed expert testimony in which they outlined an alternative to the IRP. 

“We proved that DTE’s proposed plan was not inevitable, and that there was a cleaner, more resilient, more equitable path forward,” says James Gignac, Midwest Senior Policy Manager for the Union of Concerned Scientists. “While we are pleased with the settlement proposal in this case, there’s much more work ahead. The Michigan legislature must build on DTE’s progress and take swift and meaningful action to scale up energy efficiency and renewable energy across the state to achieve the just, fossil-free Michigan we know is possible.”

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At-Home Test Reveals PFAS in Ecology Center’s Staff Scientists

In our decade of research on PFAS, we have undertaken extensive testing on consumer goods and environmental media, including fish, lake foam, and air. Our aim has been to determine the types and amounts of PFAS present in these substances. 

Our Healthy Stuff Lab researchers recently examined a more intimate medium for PFAS detection: their blood. Many people are curious about their personal exposure levels – including us. It is widely known that PFAS and other industrial chemicals circulate within the bloodstream of most Americans, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating that over 99% of the population have at least one type of PFAS in their bodies. Since PFAS levels gradually diminish after exposure ends, analyzing the chemicals present in one’s blood can offer insight into exposures that likely occurred in the past several years.

Motivated by our commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and helping others, our curious staff scientists, Gillian Miller and Jeff Gearhart, underwent PFAS blood testing using Eurofins’s at-home PFAS Exposure Blood Test.

Gillian’s Results

PFAS Analytes in Gillian’s Blood Samples Compared to National Median

Analyte	Gillian's Eurofins Serum Equivalent	Median in U.S. Population
PFBS	Not detected	-
PFHpA	Not detected	-
PFHxS	Not detected	1.1
PFOA	Not detected	1.47
PFNA	Not detected	0.4
PFOS	0.53	4.3
PFUnA	Not detected	(haven't found)

Unit: ng/mL (ppb); median in US population data based on 50th percentile of the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data; the serum equivalent to whole blood is calculated per Eurofins’ standard.

Somewhat expected, Gillian’s results were below the national average, though lower than anticipated. Gillian expected to be on the low side for two reasons – she’s conscious about lifestyle exposure to PFAS, and studies have shown that for females in their late teens to early 40s, PFAS levels tend to be lower. 

To limit lifestyle exposure, Gillian has lived without PFAS-coated carpet and furniture for many years. She often eats plant-based foods, thus reducing exposure to meat and dairy, which are more likely to be contaminated with PFAS. Her drinking water at home is reverse-osmosis filtered. Gillian notes, however, that there’s no such thing as a PFAS-free life. For example, she suspects her hiking gear from 20 years ago, including boots, pants, and jacket, is PFAS-coated. She suspects one of her new dog beds is, too. 

Research suggests menstruation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding all lower a person’s PFAS levels. Menstruation rids the body of blood. Sadly, pollutants like PFAS, pesticides, and flame retardants are transferred to children during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

“I am sorry that my firstborn presumably received the most contaminants from my body,” said Gillian. “Regarding my low PFAS levels, I’m not smug. There was still a little PFOS in my blood, and I have plenty of other hazardous chemicals in my body. My blood was tested for another study a few years ago and was positive for a multitude of PCBs, flame retardants, and pesticides. My levels of those pollutants were mostly in the middle of the range for the study. I’m not sure anyone can escape old pollutants that were banned decades ago but remain in our environment.”

 

Jeff’s Results 

PFAS Analytes in Jeff’s Blood Samples Compared to National Median

Analyte	Jeff's Eurofins Serum Equivalent	Median in U.S. Population
PFBS	Not detected	-
PFHpA	0.21	-
PFHxS	1.69	1.1
PFOA	1.44	1.47
PFNA	Not detected	0.4
PFOS	3.8	4.3
PFUnA	ND	(haven't found)

Unit: ng/mL (ppb);  median in US population data based on 50th percentile of the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data; the serum equivalent to whole blood is calculated per Eurofins’ standard.

Jeff’s blood PFAS concentrations were closer to the national average, though his PFHxS was higher than the median. While his results are typical, he was disconcerted nonetheless.

“I suspected that I might be in the middle of the typical national exposures because of my side projects as a contractor, the products in my house, and other adventurous things I do,” said Jeff. “But seeing the numbers kinda pissed me off. Intellectually, I anticipated the result, yet it does break your heart when you see the results and know that I am at greater risk for certain health outcomes because of this.”

Jeff also suspects a new couch might be to blame for his elevated PFHxS. 

 

Comparing At-Home Tests to Clinical Tests

We were also curious how the new at-home PFAS Exposure Blood Test compared to a clinical test. Home kits are new and less well-known than clinical tests. The home kit is a finger prick and measures PFAS in whole blood, while the blood draw takes blood from a vein, separates serum, and measures PFAS in serum. To compare the two, Jeff conducted both tests on his blood within an hour of each other. 

PFAS Analytes in Blood Samples from Jeff Measured with Clinical Test Versus At-Home Testing Kit

Analyte	Clinical Test: NMS Lab (Serum)	Home Test: Eurofins Serum Equivalent
PFBS	ND	ND
PFHpA	0.45	0.21
PFHxS	1.9	1.69
PFOA	1.8	1.44
PFNA	0.3	ND
PFOS	1.8	3.8
PFUnA	ND	ND

Caption: Unit: ng/mL (ppb);  median in US population data based on 50th percentile of the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data; the serum equivalent to whole blood is calculated per Eurofins’ standard.

Overall, Jeff’s two tests matched quite well. The higher level found for PFOS by the home kit may be due to the fact that the test measured several forms of PFOS, while the clinical test measured only one form.  

Scientists have examined the consistency between the two tests and found a very good correlation. Considering that study and Jeff’s two tests, our staff scientists feel confident that the home kit is accurate enough for people wanting a snapshot of their own levels. People should be aware, though, that there may be even more PFAS in the environment that are not captured in these blood tests. 

Interest in Blood Testing is on the Rise in Michigan 

The Michigan Department of Human Health and Human Services has been conducting biomonitoring for residents impacted by PFAS pollution. Biomonitoring assesses people’s exposure to chemicals by measuring the chemicals in blood or other fluids. 

More than 1,000 residents from Belmont/Rockford and Parchment/CooperTownship areas are being monitored due to elevated PFAS levels in their drinking water. Participants were found to have higher PFOS and PFOA concentrations in their blood than the general U.S. population. However, both levels were found to decline once exposure had stopped. Other types of PFAS did not decrease, indicating that some sources of exposure may not yet be identified. In 2018 and 2019, in the North Kent County Exposure Assessment, the state found PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS in the blood levels of some participants to be higher than the general population’s 95th percentile. 

The state currently seeks enrollees to participate in the Oscoda Area Exposure Assessment.

PFAS Pollution Prevention in the Great Lakes and Beyond 

It’s tremendously disconcerting to know there are toxic chemicals circulating in our blood. But there are steps we can take to turn off the tap for good on PFAS pollution. Thankfully, there’s a lot of momentum.

Alongside the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network, we are advocating for Michigan state policy to reduce PFAS exposures. Our policy agenda includes asking the state legislature to require insurance agencies to cover blood tests for PFAS. A similar policy was introduced in Maine, and New Hampshire now requires insurance agencies to cover blood testing. The Senate also recently re-introduced a bill to ban PFAS in food packaging and contact materials. The Ecology Center is also working with PFAS-impacted community members and legislators to introduce a package of bills that would address prevention, supporting impacted communities, and clean-up.

Additionally, many states are passing legislation to address PFAS pollution. Actions include eliminating PFAS in food packaging, increasing regulation of PFAS in drinking water, banning PFAS in firefighter foam, and eliminating PFAS in textiles, carpeting, furniture, and apparel. A full list of government, retailers, and brand actions toward reducing PFAS can be found here. 

On a federal level, the EPA has just proposed the first-ever national drinking water standards for six PFAS chemicals. These regulations are legally enforceable and would apply to public water systems to limit the amount of contamination in drinking water. The proposed standards are so low that they effectively say there is no safe level of PFAS exposure in drinking water. 

You can help! Express your support for the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network’s Policy Agenda by signing on your name. Our sign-ons will be delivered to lawmakers to urge PFAS action at the state and federal level. 

What Should You Do? 

If you want to test your blood for PFAS, you can conduct an at-home kit or ask your doctor. 

Unfortunately, many doctors are unfamiliar with testing for PFAS in blood. Here are some resources to help: 

• For Quest Diagnostics, the reference codes when you tell your doctor that you want your blood tested for PFAS are Test Code 39307, CPT Code 82542
• You can also send your blood to Vista Analytics, a laboratory that specializes in testing blood as well as breast milk, fish tissue, products, water, soil, etc. for PFAS.
• After getting the test, the PFAS Exchange is an online tool to understand PFAS test results to understand your exposure. 

To the best of your ability, limit your exposure to PFAS. Stainproof furniture and carpeting, waterproof clothing, “Glide” dental floss, windshield protectants, bike lubricants, and cleaning products can contain PFAS. 

If you are concerned about PFAS in your stuff, let retailers know about your apprehensions. Consumer advocacy makes a big difference. 

Be sure to tell your elected officials you want progressive action on PFAS. We can turn off the tap on PFAS pollution, but it will take all hands on deck to advocate for change. Stay tuned to the petitions we send out and sign on! 

Legislature inks budget that fights pollution, grows clean energy jobs, saves Michiganders money

LANSING, Mich. – A diverse group of non-profit organizations today highlighted the Michigan Legislature passed a 2023-2024 budget that makes investments in clean energy, transportation and weatherization of homes and small businesses. These investments will help create jobs, save consumers on their energy bills, protect public health, and address climate change.

Michigan’s budget includes:

●      Grants for Michigan’s clean school bus program ($125 million)

●      Increased funding for local transit and intermodal capital grants ($110 million)

●      Building electric grid resilience ($43 million)

●      Grants to communities to establish wind, solar and energy storage facilities, with 40% of the funding going to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution ($30 million)

●      Air quality and contaminated site remediation in disadvantaged communities ($20 million)

●      Improving homes, reducing energy usage and lowering utility bills ($25 million)

●      Creating an energy efficiency revolving fund for business and homeowner projects ($8.4 million)

●      Enhancing funding for Michigan Saves Green Bank to incentivize lending to residential and commercial borrowers for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvement loans ($5.5 million)

●      Expanding public charging around Lake Michigan ($5 million)

●      Electrification of Michigan’s state vehicles fleet ($1 million)

●      Assisting communities with environmental justice programs ($1 million)

In addition to allocating state funds, some of these items in the state budget access available federal funding.

“Michigan’s budget focuses on areas that can make a huge difference in building a robust clean transportation sector, from expanding access to electric vehicle charging stations to protecting school kids’ health with more clean school buses on the road,” said Jane McCurry, executive director of Clean Fuels Michigan and a member of the Council on Future Mobility and Electrification. “These investments are essential for a thriving clean mobility sector, and they can help increase access to clean transportation options across Michigan.”

“By investing in clean energy, Michigan’s budget shows our commitment to reducing dangerous pollution and addressing climate change, protecting public health and creating jobs,” said Charles Griffith, director of climate and energy programs at the Ecology Center. “While there is certainly more that is needed, we applaud the Legislature and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for their efforts to make Michigan a leader in clean energy, clean transportation and more energy efficient homes and buildings.”

The clean energy investments in Michigan’s budget come as several reports show Michigan creating jobs and growing the economy with forward-looking clean energy and clean transportation policies. The budget also passed during a week when widespread Canadian wildfires are polluting Michigan’s air and prompting health advisories for people to stay indoors. Michigan climate scientists warn that expanding clean energy use can help reduce risks of wildfires.

“Michigan is sending the message that we are building a future of abundant and affordable renewable energy, and turning the page on polluting fossil fuels,” said Dr. Denise Keele, executive director of the Michigan Climate Action Network. “With Michiganders increasingly demanding cleaner, more reliable and more cost-effective ways of heating and cooling our homes, and powering our vehicles, Michigan’s budget delivers on those demands.”

“We really applaud our Legislature and Governor for their ‘Michigan first’ approach,” said Dr. Martin Kushler, senior fellow with the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. “Michigan is almost entirely dependent upon imports from other states and countries for our coal, natural gas and oil consumption, which drains over $18 billion a year from the state economy. By providing funding for energy efficiency and Michigan-based renewable energy, these budget proposals are a great investment that will reduce that financial drain and help keep those dollars in Michigan.”

“This year’s budget will cement Michigan’s role in shaping the nation’s clean transportation future,” said Alli Gold Roberts, senior director of state policy at Ceres. “By ensuring businesses and consumers can fully capitalize on the historic influx of federal clean energy funding, this budget will further leverage the state’s strong manufacturing base and industrial legacy to help build a stronger and more resilient economy for all Michiganders."

“Extreme weather events that left millions of Michiganders without heat in winter and sent schoolkids home because of dangerous heat are a clear warning that we need to ramp up clean, renewable and reliable energy sources,” said James Gignac, Midwest senior policy manager at Union of Concerned Scientists. “Michigan’s new budget builds on a forward-looking clean energy future and moves us away from a broken status quo of dirty, unreliable and expensive coal, oil and gas.”

“A critical part of an equitable climate solution is ensuring all Michiganders have access to affordable sustainable mobility options, especially the millions of our neighbors who can’t physically or financially drive,” said Megan Owens, executive director of Transportation Riders United. “This budget takes an exciting step towards that future with a $60 million boost in local bus funding and $50 million more for transit capital, plus $35 million for rail, but these one-time funds fall well short of the transformational long-term investment Michigan will need to make clean mobility an attractive choice for all.”

“Investing in clean energy is investing in the health of Michigan communities, the quality of our infrastructure, and jobs for Michiganders,” said Courtney Bourgoin, Midwest senior policy manager for Evergreen Action. “This budget not only prioritizes climate and clean energy policies, but also takes advantage of historic federal funding available through the Inflation Reduction Act. This is a strong first step and legislators must continue by passing a clean energy and climate legislative package that will build Michigan a strong foundation for years to come.”

“Investing in clean energy and climate solutions will improve the health of all Michigan residents, especially those who have suffered disproportionate impacts from fossil fuel pollution”, states Elizabeth (Lisa) Del Buono, MD president of Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action. “Electrifying our building and transportation sectors, coupled with improving energy efficiency, and ensuring a dependable and affordable electric grid will not only save lives and healthcare dollars, but they are also important first steps towards the robust, healthy future that is ours to claim.”

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It is bittersweet news that the Ecology Center’s Deputy Director, Rebecca (Becca) Meuninck is moving to a new job as the Regional Executive Director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes Office. We’ll miss Becca immensely, but we’re delighted she’ll be applying her genius at our long-standing partner organization. Her new position gives us the opportunity to further deepen those connections.

Twenty-three years ago, Becca started working part-time at the Ecology Center as an environmental health intern, and she’s been serving, since 2015, as our Deputy Director. She brings joy to her work, along with great intelligence and a talent at building strong relationships with all sorts of people. Among her many accomplishments, Becca helped develop the Ecology Center’s Health Leaders Fellowship program, spurred the creation of the State of Michigan’s Lead Poisoning Elimination Plan, launched our municipal procurement initiative and championed children’s environmental health through a state-wide coalition, helped convene the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network, worked on the federal level on PFAS action, helped build connections with national environmental health networks, and much more. In particular, the lead poisoning elimination work deserves special mention.

Spurred by the Flint Water Crisis Becca helped persuade the state to address ongoing lead contamination through Michigan’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Elimination Strategy, and current legislative proposals to address lead contamination. Most recently, Becca worked tirelessly with our coalitions: Lead Impacted Families Together and the Great Lakes Lead Elimination Network, a regional advocacy effort promoting lead prevention strategies in Great Lakes states.

Over the last 23 years, Becca’s work at the Ecology Center has improved the lives of countless Michigan residents, and elevated her to a prominent national role in environmental health advocacy.  We can’t wait to work with her in her new role, and we’re looking forward to working with her to build a stronger movement for environmental justice.