South Michigan News

Senator Mark Huizenga and Representative Julie Rogers have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing concerns over PFAS contamination in Michigan. The proposed bills would offer free blood testing for children in areas affected by these chemicals, providing crucial data on exposure levels.

Huizenga, representing Walker, expressed his motivation for the initiative: “I’ve heard from too many parents who are worried about their children’s possible exposure to PFAS and the long-term health effects of these chemicals.” He emphasized the importance of understanding the extent of PFAS contamination to better protect public health.

PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl substances, have been identified as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment. These substances were found in multiple groundwater systems across Michigan and other parts of the United States several years ago.

Rogers, a Democrat from Kalamazoo and a practicing healthcare professional, highlighted the ongoing impact of PFAS in her community: “Kalamazoo County, Michigan’s first documented PFAS site, still feels that impact.” She stressed the necessity of accessible testing for families confronting this issue.

The legislative package includes Senate Bills 298 and 299 sponsored by Huizenga, along with House Bills 4499 by Rogers and 4500 by Representative Bryan Posthumus from Rockford. These bills target children under 11 years old as of January 1, 2012, residing in Kent, Ottawa, and Kalamazoo counties where water supplies exceeded state PFAS limits.

Sandy Wynn-Stelt from the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network endorsed the initiative: “Sen. Huizenga’s bipartisan legislation is a vital step forward in helping families affected by PFAS contamination get the testing, answers and support they need.”

If passed, the legislation would facilitate free blood tests for eligible families while also offering counseling services. Physicians could inform families about available testing options and conduct tests with parental consent.