FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10-25-2023
CONTACT: Sarah Tresedder, sarah.tresedder@sierraclub.org
It’s Time for Polluters to Clean up their Own Mess
Sierra Club Michigan Chapter applauds introduction of polluter pay legislation, urges lawmakers to do more to hold utilities and industries accountable
Lansing, MI - Today, State Lawmakers introduced legislation to hold polluters in Michigan accountable for the costs of cleanup while also promoting environmental justice principles and improving standards for environmental cleanup. The bills were introduced jointly in both chambers by Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) and Representative Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor)
In response, Michigan Chapter Political and Legislative Director Christy McGillivray released the following statement:
“Michigan has tens of thousands of contaminated sites, many of them considered ‘orphaned sites.’ Until these bills become law, industries and utilities will be able to keep leaving Michigan residents saddled with the cost of cleaning up their polluted legacies.
Even though a vast majority of Michiganders have repeatedly shown strong bipartisan support for polluter accountability measures, these bills face an uphill battle in Lansing. There is literally not an issue that polls higher in our state, but secret money from polluting industries continues to undermine our democracy. Sierra Club will keep fighting for all our priorities currently facing secret corporate money–at the top of our list is a robust clean energy package and meaningful industry/utility accountability. We urge all Lansing lawmakers to turn to their constituents for support instead of corporate donors.”
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