LANSING — In a nearly unprecedented move, House Republicans approved a resolution today to reject Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recent executive order to restructure the Department of Environmental Quality. This executive order would, among other things, create public advocates for drinking water and environmental justice, an office of Climate and Energy, and strengthen the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team. In addition, it would eliminate three review boards that allow corporate representatives to oversee the DEQ, now called EGLE under the Governor’s reorganization plan, and its permitting process. In response, state Rep. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Township) issued the following statement:
“There is no issue as fundamental as ensuring every person in our state has access to clean, safe drinking water, and this resolution stands directly in opposition to this goal. The reorganization of our DEQ is necessary and long overdue. Today, leadership in Lansing voted not to address the many environmental crises happening in our state or increase the transparency and accountability that we so desperately need. As elected officials, we should be fighting for every Michigander’s right to clean air and water — not blocking measures that protect public health.”
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