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, House Democratic Floor Leader Yousef Rabhi (D-Ann Arbor) issued the following statement:
“After nearly a decade of environmental negligence by leaders in Lansing, I am proud to support Gov. Whitmer and her actions to curb the existential threats climate change and unchecked corporate pollution pose to our state and country. By joining as the 20th state in the U.S. Climate Alliance, we renew our commitment to protecting our state’s life-sustaining water and air. These actions by the governor will serve as foundational stepping stones to achieving the ultimate goal of ensuring all Michiganders have access to clean drinking water and an environment free of pollution.”
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