LANSING — Gov. Whitmer took action this morning to address Michigan’s ongoing water crises, signing two executive orders and one executive directive. The executive orders would create a new Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, as well as form a PFAS Action Response Team, while her executive order will enter Michigan into the U.S. Climate Alliance to advance the goals of the Paris Agreement, which the U.S. withdrew from in 2017. In response, state Rep. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Township) issued the following statement:
“After eight years of inaction, I’m grateful for Gov. Whitmer’s leadership in prioritizing our water and environment among her first acts as governor. Restructuring the DEQ to establish offices for public advocates to oversee clean water and environmental justice initiatives is a solid step toward ensuring concerns regarding contaminants like lead and PFAS become a thing of the past. Every family deserves access to clean water, and by joining the U.S. Climate Alliance, the governor is reaffirming our commitment to protecting that freedom for generations to come.”
###