In Michigan, a new legislative initiative aims to address environmental concerns by requiring state regulators to not only assess potential emissions from new industrial developments but also take into account existing pollution levels in affected communities. This move is backed by various environmental organizations across the state.
Currently, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) evaluates only the emissions that new projects might produce. However, the Protecting Overburdened Communities Act (SB 479 and HB 4742) seeks to change this by mandating the consideration of cumulative health impacts, especially in areas already burdened by significant pollution sources.
“Communities on the front lines that suffer from the combined effects of heavy industry, diesel exhaust from trucks and trains and other sources of pollution,” explained Kathryn Savoie of the Clear the Air Coalition.
State Representative Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit), who developed asthma in a polluted neighborhood, emphasized the importance of considering the total pollution exposure rather than isolated sources. “We do not breathe one source of pollution at a time,” McKinney stated. “And we experience the health harms of all the combined pollution we breathe in.”
This proposed legislation mirrors regulations in other states, such as New Jersey, and comes at a time when the Trump administration is rolling back greenhouse gas rules and proposing exemptions for certain industries from clean air standards. The administration’s proposals include rescinding a 2009 finding that identified carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as threats to public health, which has served as a foundation for numerous climate regulations.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin revealed the proposed change on a podcast, with an official announcement scheduled for Tuesday in Indiana. Former EPA leaders have criticized Zeldin’s proposal, warning that it could jeopardize the health of millions of Americans.
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