Bill Text: MI HR0273 | 2019-2020 | 100th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to oppose actions by the United States Environmental Protection Agency relaxing the enforcement of environmental rules in response to the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 27-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-06-10 - Referred To Committee On Natural Resources And Outdoor Recreation [HR0273 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2019-HR0273-Introduced.html
house Resolution No.273
Reps. Kuppa, Brixie, Stone, Sowerby, Shannon, Hammoud, Rabhi, Koleszar, Greig, Garza, Elder, Kennedy, Cynthia Neeley, Tyrone Carter, Yancey, Hoadley, Warren, Wittenberg, Coleman and Cherry offered the following resolution:
Whereas, The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in a global pandemic spreading across 213 countries and other locations. In the most serious cases, this disease causes serious respiratory illness and death, with death rates that are notably higher than common viruses like influenza. In the United States alone, there have been hundreds of thousands of confirmed cases and tens of thousands of deaths with numbers continuing to rise daily; and
Whereas, On March 26, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a memorandum announcing its temporary policy to relax the enforcement of federal environmental rules. The policy states that the EPA will use its enforcement discretion for noncompliance covered by the policy and does not expect to seek penalties for certain violations of environmental protection rules; and
Whereas, Relaxing environmental rules that protect the health of the public is not in the best interest of Americans at a time when public health is already severely threatened by COVID-19. Safe water is vital for preventing serious illness, both for consumption and for following COVID-19 handwashing recommendations. Clean air is important for everyone but particularly to protect individuals with chronic conditions who are already more vulnerable to COVID-19 and its serious respiratory complications; and
Whereas, Death rates from COVID-19 are higher in counties with higher levels of long-term air pollution according to a study conducted at Harvard University. Even small increases in certain types of air pollution lead to large increases in death rates from COVID-19. The researchers conclude that the "study results underscore the importance of continuing to enforce existing air pollution regulations to protect human health both during and after the COVID-19 crisis "; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we oppose actions by the United States Environmental Protection Agency relaxing the enforcement of environmental rules in response to the novel coronavirus outbreak; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
