1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

The proposed Polluter Pay legislation aims to strengthen Michigan's laws and hold corporations accountable for cleaning up the pollution they have caused. For too long, companies have been able to avoid responsibility for contaminating our land and water, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill. This package of bills would require more thorough cleanups, make information about polluted sites more accessible, and simplify the process for those harmed by pollution to seek justice. Some key provisions include requiring polluters to remove or treat contaminated materials rather than leaving them in place, providing a process to update outdated cleanup criteria based on the latest scientific research, extending the statute of limitations so the state and individuals can hold polluters liable for damages from emerging contaminants like PFAS, and enabling people exposed to hazardous substances to recover costs from polluters for medical monitoring. These common-sense measures are long overdue. Corporations should not be allowed to shirk their responsibility to clean up their own messes, which have caused harm to Michigan's environment and put public health at risk. It is time we prioritize protecting our communities and natural resources over protecting wealthy polluters. I urge you to support this legislation to finally hold polluters accountable and ensure they pay for the cleanups necessitated by their actions.