3/26/19 - Michigan Must Heed Science When Considering PFAS Standards

LANSING, MI, March 26, 2019 –

The statement below may be attributed to the Michigan Chemistry Council (MCC) in response to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s request for a rulemaking to establish PFAS drinking water standards:

“The Michigan Chemistry Council believes that our state must heed sound science when considering new drinking water standards. We encourage a careful review process that accounts for the numerous determinations and their potential ramifications. Today’s announcement leaves many questions unanswered, including which PFAS compounds will be proposed for regulation and on what basis of risk assessment,” said MCC Executive Director John Dulmes.

“It is important to note that, as the first state to complete a comprehensive drinking water study, Michigan found no detection or minimal levels of PFAS in 97% of systems tested. In other instances, the state has assertively responded to PFAS detections using the standards and advisories already in place. We believe the EPA and other federal agencies are ultimately best-positioned to develop such rules, and have reinforced their commitment to do so. For that reason, we urge the Whitmer administration to ensure that science – not politics – is at the front and center of this proposed process.” 

The Michigan Chemistry Council, established in 1967, represents Michigan’s chemical manufacturers, formulators and distributors. Chemistry is one of Michigan’s largest manufacturing sectors, supporting more than 80,000 Michigan jobs and directly impacting more than 96% of all manufactured goods.