South Michigan News

Senator Mark Huizenga and Representative Julie Rogers are set to introduce new bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing concerns surrounding PFAS contamination in Michigan. The lawmakers will hold a press conference on Tuesday morning at the state Capitol, joined by PFAS experts and concerned mothers, to announce the initiative.

The proposed legislation seeks to provide free blood testing for children residing in areas affected by PFAS contamination. These chemicals, known as "forever chemicals," have been found in various groundwater systems across Michigan and the United States, leading to growing concern among families about their potential long-term health impacts.

"Several years ago, families across Michigan and the U.S. became aware of 'forever chemicals' known as perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, as they were discovered in dozens of groundwater systems," stated a brief provided ahead of the announcement. The lack of comprehensive information and testing has heightened fears among parents regarding the health implications for their children.

The press conference will feature Sandy Wynn-Stelt, co-chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network and a member of the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team, alongside other concerned mothers from across Michigan. It is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, at 9:30 a.m., at the Michigan Capitol Building.

In developing this legislation, Senator Huizenga collaborated with impacted families and medical experts to establish a state-provided study that would monitor PFAS levels in children's blood within affected communities.