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. Tenisha Yancey (D-Harper Woods) issued the following statement:
“No Michigander should ever have to doubt the quality of the air they breathe or wonder if spending time outside will have long term health consequences for them. Yet because there’s been little oversight when polluters apply to increase their emissions, that’s the top concern for many families in my community. That’s why bringing transparency and accountability to the permitting process is so critical. We have to require these entities to engage with community members at public forums to address concerns and answer any questions about the effects their request would have on the people breathing in this air day in and day out.”