DEARBORN — House Democrats unveiled a plan today to expand air quality protections across the state and make communities safer for everyday Michiganders. The legislation would firmly establish air quality criteria at the state level and expand emissions permitting requirements, while increasing accountability and transparency between polluters and the communities in which they operate. In response, State Rep. Cara Clemente (D-Lincoln Park) issued the following statement:
“No matter where you live, you should be able to trust that the air you breathe is safe. But for too long, some of our most vulnerable residents have been left to face the greatest risk of harm to their health and well-being. We want to begin to undo that damage, and that’s why my bill would take socioeconomic factors into consideration during the permitting process. The cycle of pollution and discrimination needs to end if we’re going to ensure the safety of every Michigander.”