State representative leading the fight to end radioactive waste disposal in Van Buren Township commends Senate action
LANSING, Mich., June 12, 2025 — State Rep. Reggie Miller (Van Buren Twp.) commended the Senate Energy and Environment Committee for moving forward legislation today to increase the state’s landfill and well hazardous waste disposal fees, aiming to disincentivize neighboring states and Canada from importing toxic waste to Michigan. Senate Bills 246 and 247, sponsored by state Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), would specifically impose stricter regulations on the disposal of Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (TENORM) and require the state to develop and adopt a comprehensive hazardous waste management plan every five years.
“Right now, Michigan has some of the lowest landfill tipping fees in the country, leaving everyday families to pay the price,” Miller said. “I am grateful for my colleague Sen. Camilleri and his continued commitment to updating Michigan’s regulations for hazardous waste and enhancing requirements for landfill reporting and compliance. Nuclear waste has no place in our neighborhoods — we need all hands on deck to ensure our neighbors know Michigan is not their dumping ground.”
Miller has long been at the forefront of legislative action to end nuclear waste dumping in Michigan. She recently reintroduced House Bill 4393, similar legislation that would raise Michigan’s landfill tipping fees to levels of those in neighboring states, including a radioactive waste fee increase from $5 to $12.50 per ton. The legislation would directly protect residents of Van Buren Twp., who are closely watching a lawsuit between Wayne County and Republic Services, the owners of the Wayne Disposal landfill who are currently seeking to accept radioactive waste from Canada.
“I will not allow corporations and neighboring states or countries to compromise the health and safety of our community,” Miller continued. “Our neighborhoods deserve a modernized waste management system that protects them for generations to come. That’s why my bill provides for long term and safe waste storage planning and holds corporations accountable by sticking them with the bill. My community’s voices are loud and clear — I will not stop fighting until this legislation is passed and Van Buren Twp.’s families are safe.”
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