Michigan

States Leading The Way

With key leadership from the Ecology Center, the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network, and other allies, Michigan has developed a strong reputation for addressing environmental health concerns. For example, Michigan was one of the first states to recognize the threat from PFAS chemicals and has been a leader in identifying contaminated sites. The state has also appropriated millions of dollars to address contamination and established a multi-agency Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) to coordinate clean-up responses. Additionally, Michigan has created drinking water standards for certain PFAS chemicals and has taken action to address lead poisoning.

Michigan Highlights

2023 – Attorney General Dana Nessel announced a settlement in a lawsuit filed against PFAS manufacturers for their role in harming public health and the environment. Several other similar lawsuits in the state are still pending.
2021 – Michigan was the first state to broadly limit state purchase of products containing PFAS chemicals by creating a PFAS-free procurement policy via an Executive Directive. Additionally, multiple Michigan jurisdictions including Lansing, Detroit, and Ferndale are moving forward with environmentally preferable purchasing programs to address toxics, plastics, and climate considerations.
2020 – Established a takeback program for PFAS-contaminated firefighting foam.

PFAS Action Network - Lawmaker Education Day

Impacted community members representing the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network participated in a decision-maker education day in Lansing, MI. About 20 community members shared their stories and urged lawmakers to take action on their priority PFAS issues.

West Michigan Community Members Protests Junior Achievement

Impacted community members protest Junior Achievement’s induction of Wolverine World Wide’s CEO into the Business Hall of Fame, arguing that he is not a role model for young people due to the company’s PFAS pollution.

GLPAN Community Leaders at 2022 National PFAS Conference

Michigan community leaders at the 2022 National PFAS Conference passing out information about the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network (GLPAN). The GLPAN was established in 2021 to provide a voice for communities impacted by PFAS.