Count ALL smog to save lives, says group to EGLE

---

A group of 13 organizations urged the state to protect West Michiganders from the heart and lung diseases smog exacerbates in a recent public comment filing.

The group, led by the Michigan Environmental Council, urged the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to allow Allegan, Berrien and parts of Muskegon counties' ozone (aka, smog) air readings to stand as recorded. Readings exceed safe smog levels for public health and, as such, would make the areas fail to meet air pollution standards. 

The three counties in question have experienced smog levels above the current standard since 2005. But EGLE contends that if not for five days of high smog due to wildfires out west, Allegan and Berrien counties would need no stricter air controls than they already have. Under Environmental Protection Agency standards, wildfires can be discounted from pollution standard determinations because they are "exceptional events."

If EGLE discounts these days, the Department could end efforts to lower smog pollution in Allegan, Berrien and Muskegon counties.

“Smog can exacerbate lung and heart diseases and puts everyone’ s health at risk," said Tina Reynolds, environmental health program director for MEC. “If EGLE chooses to make good on its environmental justice focus, we can cut missed work days, increase school attendance and put the ‘pure’ back into ‘Pure Michigan' by protecting vacationers in west Michigan. 

She noted that climate change makes wildfires more intense and common and should thus not be considered extraordinary.

"Counting days of western U.S. wildfires as extraordinary events so we can disregard health-harming smog readings would set a bad precedent across Michigan and the nation," Reynolds said. "This is a crossroads moment and our decision makers need to do the right thing by proactively improving the air we need to breathe with public health measures."

An American Thoracic Society report found smog pollution alone killed an estimated 12 residents, gravely sickened 19 and caused 24,429 missed school and work days in Allegan, Berrien and Muskegon counties in 2019. Kindra Weid, RN, coalition coordinator for MI Air MI Health, said these numbers will grow if pollution protections are eased.

"We know air pollution travels, but that should not be used as a rationale for disqualifying days of high smog," Weid said. "The purpose of these standards is to protect the environment and public health where it is harmed. The impacts of air pollution are a clear and present danger to the residents of West Michigan, and stricter enforcement is required. EGLE has a chance to protect public health and fight climate change with one action: counting all days with smog."

These groups joined MEC and MI Air MI Health in submitting public comment: Environmental Law & Policy Center, Great Lakes Environmental Law Center, Liaison for Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation, MI Air MI Health, Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action, The Original United Citizens of Southwest Detroit, Principia LLC, Reviving Our American Democracy, West Michigan Environmental Action Council and Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition.

MEDIA CONTACT

Beau Brockett
Communications, MEC

beau@environmentalcouncil.org
(586) 453-5362 ©

RESOURCES

Click for our public comment letter and co-signers

Click for a smog attainment level fact sheet

Click for stats on death, illness, missed days because of smog

On Tuesday, Michigan House GOP members voted to move out of subcommittee budgets representing a cut of 75% year over year to the state’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and Department of Natural Resources. The futures of both departments would be budgeted out only 90 days at a time, an unconstitutional move. They would make completing even the bare minimum of essential tasks of EGLE and MDNR infeasible.

“If these budget cuts go through, our state would fall into an instability we’ve never seen before,” said Sean Hammond, policy director at the Michigan Environmental Council. “Parks would close indefinitely and sites contaminated with toxic chemicals would be left to fester, all while Republicans play games with peoples’ lives and livelihoods.”

“According to data compiled by the American Thoracic Society in 2019, an estimated 132 Michiganders die each year from ozone (smog) pollution,” said Kindra Weid, RN and coalition coordinator for MI Air MI Health. “Another 304 suffer grave illnesses, and over 313,000 work and school days are lost. This is due to smog pollution alone, not to mention the health impacts of soot and the cumulative impacts of both. EGLE is critical to monitoring our exposure to these harmful air pollutants, and if the severe budget cuts proposed by House Republicans are passed it will be devastating for public health.” 

“Michiganders value our water, our Great Lakes, our outdoor recreation and the fish, wildlife, and public lands which sustain them,” said Mike Shriberg, Great Lakes regional executive director of the National Wildlife Federation. “To propose cuts to the funding for the agencies which conserve and protect our water, health and wildlife, and to play political games that harm the state’s ability to do its job by releasing funding in 25% increments, runs counter to Pure Michigan values. Our health, wildlife and environment should not be subject to this political gamesmanship and proposed cuts. Natural resources and environmental protections don’t run on quarterly schedules.”

The proposed budgets will head to the full House Appropriations Committee.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Beau Brockett
The Michigan Environmental Council
beau@environmentalcouncil.org
(586) 453-5362 (c)

Kindra Weid, RN
MI Air MI Health
kindra@miairmihealth.org 

Mike Shriberg
National Wildlife Federation
ShribergM@nwf.org  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020
Contact: Gabby Abel, gabel@byrumfisk.com, 734-731-2770  

EPA proposal maintains weak, harmful standards 

LANSING – Michigan health groups provided testimony this week during a public hearing urging the Environmental Protection Agency to set stronger National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone pollution to protect public health.

The current NAAQS standard is 70 ppb, and these groups are pushing for a stricter standard of 60 ppb. According to a study from the American Thoracic Society, a lower standard of 60 ppb would result in 132 lives saved, 304 instances of serious illness avoided and 313,447 missed school and workdays eliminated in Michigan alone.

“The National Ambient Air Quality Standards is vital for public health,” said Kathleen Slonager, RN, AE-C, CCH and executive director for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America - Michigan Chapter. “Freezing these weak and harmful standards will be detrimental to everyone in this country, especially those who suffer from respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD. This is especially true for communities of color. To make matters worse, the EPA has limited the time professionals and the public can provide input from the standard 60 days to 48 days. This proposal will have a direct, negative impact on people across the country and it’s absolutely vital we have adequate time to voice our concerns. It is high time the Environmental Protection Agency live up to its name and mission and protect our people and planet.”

“Nearly half of Michigan residents live in areas with unacceptable levels of smog,” said Kindra Weid, registered nurse and coalition coordinator for MI Air MI Health. “Dangerous air pollution disproportionately impacts Black Americans, Indigenous people and people of color — leading to increased risks of harm, including premature death, from exposure to air pollution. The EPA’s proposal to keep the current, inadequate standard is simply unacceptable. I am calling on the EPA to move past our current harmful standards and set stronger National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone pollution to protect public health and the environment.”

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, April 20, 2020 
Contact: Rachel Perkins, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, (517) 333-1606  

LANSING – Health groups today issued the following statements criticizing President Trump’s decision to rollback regulations that forced coal-fired power plants to cut mercury and other toxic air pollution:

“Relaxing enforcement of these regulations in the middle of a nationwide crisis is irresponsible and will have a dire impact on air quality and public health, especially for asthma and allergy sufferers,” said Kathleen Slonager, RN, AE-C, CCH executive director of the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America Michigan Chapter. “Michigan’s rates of asthma, lung and heart disease are significantly higher than other states, and we need leadership that understands the need to reduce pollution, not make it worse.”

“Pollution has serious consequences on public health, and we see every day how poor air quality impacts our residents with asthma, chronic heart and lung conditions, and other underlying health issues,” said Kindra Weid, RN, and coalition coordinator of MI Air MI Health. “Michigan is one of the worst states in the country when it comes to diseases linked to air quality, so President Trump’s dangerous decision will only continue to negatively impact our communities, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.”  

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 19, 2019

Contact: Rachel Perkins, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, (517) 333-1606

LANSING - Advocates from across Michigan have been calling on the Michigan Public Service Commission to reject DTE Energy’s long-term energy plan as the the case surrounding the plan comes to a close. On Friday, the judge overseeing the case will share her reading of the case and propose a recommendation to the Michigan Public Service Commission, which will give the final ruling early next year.

To date, more than 3,300 Michigan residents have submitted public comments and over 150 people attended the public hearing in June, the vast majority urging the Commission to reject DTE’s plan. Comments can be viewed on the MPSC website.

In addition, various health, environmental, conservation and clean energy advocates have also worked to raise awareness of the shortcomings of DTE’s plan and mobilized customers to make their voices heard. 

View the relevant blog posts, op-eds and other resources.

The following are statements from environmental, conservation, consumer and community organizations ahead of the MPSC’s decision:

“DTE gave solar and wind power, battery storage, energy efficiency and demand response a passing nod, then went ahead and submitted a proposal dependent on dirty coal, outdated technology and old ways of thinking,” said Margrethe Kearney, Michigan Senior Attorney at the Environmental Law & Policy Center. “Other utilities have plans that will send Michigan toward a clean energy future. DTE’s plan threatens to send us backward.”

“DTE’s long range energy plan was riddled with flaws and failed to fully embrace the promise of affordable, clean and renewable energy for Michigan’s residents,” said Charlotte Jameson, Program Director for Legislative Affairs and Energy Policy for Michigan Environmental Council. “The Commission should reject DTE’s IRP and ensure the company comes back to the table with a plan that doesn’t undersell energy waste reduction and renewable energy nor unnecessarily extend the life of expensive, polluting coal plants.” 

“In 2019, we experienced two climate disasters, the toxic release from Marathon during the polar vortex and the collapse of a uranium contaminated site due to rising lake levels. Michigan deserves a plan to ensure safe and healthy energy in an age of climate crisis and DTE failed to provide that,” said Michelle Martinez, statewide coordinator for the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition. “We need a bold energy plan not only for black and brown communities on the frontlines, but for all people struggling with rising rates and rising waters.”

“DTE’s energy plan will not lower our energy bills, because it does not do enough to boost clean and efficient energy, and it too slowly transitions away from big, expensive fossil fuel plants,” said Nick Occhipinti, government affairs director for Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “With the threat of climate change looming, it’s time for DTE to turn its words into action and commit to clean energy and energy efficiency instead of building new fossil fuel plants. DTE can do better.”

"Air pollution from coal-fired power plants places a disproportionate burden on our most vulnerable citizens: children, seniors and those with serious health conditions,” said Kindra Weid, RN and coalition coordinator of MI Air MI Health. “While DTE plans to reduce some of its coal-powered fleet in the coming years, a significant amount of its energy will continue coming from dirty coal through 2040. We find this unacceptable and encouraged the Michigan Public Service Commission to reject DTE's IRP."

“DTE's long-term energy plan has faced months of input and opposition because it is a chance to redefine Michigan energy,” said Ariana Gonzalez, Senior Energy Policy Analyst with the Natural Resources Defense Council. “We cannot waste this opportunity to ensure Michigan's energy future is clean, affordable and reliable.”

“Instead of protecting clean water, clean air and our communities, DTE chooses to invest in their pocketbooks by doubling down on expensive, polluting fossil fuels," said Theresa Landrum, Detroit resident and activist with Sierra Club. “We call on the Michigan Public Service Commission to reject DTE's polluting energy plan. Alternatively, we ask the MPSC to require them to design a plan that protects Michiganders and those living in the most heavily impacted communities by investing in cheaper and cleaner renewable energy sources, efficiency programs, and storage technology.”

“DTE has offered Michigan residents a false choice in its integrated resource plan by portraying clean energy as inherently in conflict with affordability and reliability,” said James Gignac, Lead Midwest Energy Analyst for the Union of Concerned Scientists. “The purpose of the IRP process is to evaluate different alternatives, but DTE sidestepped that to the detriment of its customers, many of whom bear high energy burdens and face costly electricity bills. The Michigan Public Service Commission must ensure the company revises its plan to put cleaner, lower-cost energy sources at the forefront.”

“If DTE is allowed to move forward with this expensive, polluting plan, Michigan will continue to fall behind its neighbors like Minnesota,” said John Delurey, Midwest Director for Vote Solar. “At the end of the day, the costs of our continued dependence on fossil fuels — financial, health and otherwise — fall most heavily on Michigan's disadvantaged and low-income families. That’s not right. The MPSC has a duty to protect everyone from DTE’s reckless proposal.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019

Contact: Nick Dodge, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, (517) 333-1606

LANSING – Nurses, health professionals and public health advocates today applauded Gov. Whitmer for highlighting the importance of addressing climate change in her State of the State address. This follows Gov. Whitmer’s recent announcement on the reorganization of the Department of Environmental Quality and creation of the Office of Climate and Energy.

“Climate change causes extreme weather that exacerbates the impacts of asthma, lung and heart disease and other respiratory conditions, which is why we need urgent action to reduce pollution in our air,” said  Kathleen Slonager, RN, AE-C, CCH, executive director of the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America Michigan Chapter. “We applaud Gov. Whitmer for making combating climate change a priority in her address this evening.”

“Gov. Whitmer understands the serious threats climate change poses to the health of Michigan families, children and seniors,” said Kindra Weid, RN, coalition coordinator for MI Air MI Health. “We thank Gov. Whitmer for taking a head-on approach to tackling climate change and protecting public health.”

“From more frequent and severe extreme weather events to increases in disease-bearing insects, climate change poses significant threats to the health of Michiganders. We applaud Gov. Whitmer for recognizing the impacts of climate change and taking steps to address it,” said Mara Herman, health policy specialist for the Ecology Center.

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018

Contact: Nick Dodge, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, (517) 333-1606

DEARBORN, Mich. – Nurses and health advocates today spoke out against the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rollback of federal fuel efficiency standards at a federal public hearing in Dearborn. 

"We must maintain the clean car standards that reduce dangerous tailpipe pollution that threatens the health of Michiganders,” said Kathleen Slonager, RN, AE-C, CCH, executive director of the Asthma & Allergy Foundation, Michigan Chapter.  “As health professionals, we have a duty to challenge policies that are harmful to public health, and this rollback would have significant health implications for children and seniors living in low-income communities."  

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation are holding three public hearings across the country to gather public input on the EPA’s proposed rollback of Obama-era fuel efficiency standards. President Trump formerly announced his proposal to roll back the standards in early August.

“Motor vehicles remain a major source of air pollution that can lead to illness and premature death, and the transportation sector is the largest source of carbon pollution in the United States,” said Kenneth Fletcher, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association in Michigan and Ohio. “Adopting and enforcing America’s existing, health-protective clean car standards is vital. Weakening these standards is out of step with our responsibility to protect public health.”

Michigan is home to some of the nation’s most-polluted zip codes, and the clean car standards finalized during the Obama Administration are designed to help safeguard public health by improving fuel efficiency and reducing tailpipe pollution.

“There is an overwhelming body of evidence linking transportation emissions to serious negative health outcomes, such as chronic heart and lung conditions, various cancers, neurological conditions, allergies, asthma, premature death and premature birth,” said Kindra Weid, RN and coalition coordinator for MI Air MI Health. “Sadly, the health impacts of exposure to tailpipe pollution are not evenly distributed throughout the population; they disproportionately affect people living in low-income communities and people of color.  Infants and senior citizens, as well as those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions are particularly vulnerable. Rolling back the climate and clean air protections provided by the Clean Car Standards will create more public health problems in Michigan and will cost lives.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018

Contact: Nick Dodge, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, (517) 333-1606