PFAS Protection Plans Underway in Michigan

NWF is teaming up with the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network (GLPAN) to push Michigan lawmakers to take action against harmful PFAS chemicals, protect affected communities, and hold polluters accountable. PFAS are a group of over 14,000 chemicals used for their nonstick and water-resistant properties. They're found in everyday items like cookware, personal care products, food packaging, and firefighting foams.

Unfortunately, they've also been linked to serious health problems such as cancer, hormone imbalance, weakened immune systems, decreased vaccine response, and reproductive problems. These dangerous chemicals have also been found in high concentrations in contaminated sites across Michigan, impacting both rural and urban communities.

The Power of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network

The Great Lakes PFAS Action Network brings together communities impacted by PFAS contamination and joins them with environmental organizations like NWF to create a unified voice for strong, protective policies. This coalition has been advocating for crucial laws in Michigan's 2023-2024 legislative session, and now we need your voice.

Priority Legislation

• House Bill 5241/Senate Bill 610: Enable those exposed to hazardous substances to bring claims against polluters to cover the costs of medical monitoring for Michiganders exposed to PFAS.

• House Bill 5244/Senate Bill 611: Set a fairer timeline for people to access justice when they have discovered PFAS contamination sites.

• House Bill 5657: Require the disclosure of PFAS in products and eliminatePFAS in household products, firefighting foam, and all nonessential uses.

• Senate Bill 327: Eliminate PFAS from food packaging.

These bills are a great start, but we can-and must-do more. Our state lawmakers can protect our health by introducing legislation that:

• Improves contamination notification procedures and access to clean water for private well owners

• Ensures PFAS blood testing is covered by health insurance

• Supports Michigan farmers impacted by PFAS contamination by creating a PFAS Farmer Relief Fund

• Ensures the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) and the Citizen Advisory Workgroup (CAWG) remain adequately funded

Take Action Now: Tell your lawmaker to support comprehensive PFAS legislation to protect Michigan communities!

Urge your lawmaker to back key bills like HB 5241, SB610, HB 5244, SBl 611, HB 5657, and SB 327 to safeguard Michigan communities from PFAS.

Ready to take action? Check out GLPAN's Digital Action Toolkit, and join us for a webinar on introduced and proposed legislation in Michigan that would protect people, wildlife, and the environment from PFAS on Monday, September 23, 12-1pm ET. Email Cathy Martin at [email protected] for more information.

Looking beyond Michigan

Although Michigan's legislative session is ongoing, many other Great Lakes states have wrapped up for the year. But don't worry, NWF and GLPAN are working with partners across the region and will keep you updated on how to support policy changes in states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.