Bill Text: MI HR0308 | 2009-2010 | 95th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to urge the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and other applicable agencies to address the cumulative effects of industrial pollution within Southwest Detroit as a top priority in light of the area being identified as the most polluted locale in Michigan.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2010-06-24 - Referred To Committee On Great Lakes And Environment [HR0308 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2009-HR0308-Introduced.html
Rep. Tlaib offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 308.
A resolution to urge the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and other applicable agencies to address the cumulative effects of industrial pollution within Southwest Detroit as a top priority in light of the area being identified as the most polluted locale in Michigan.
Whereas, A study conducted by University of Michigan environmental scientists has concluded that some of the most polluted neighborhoods in Michigan are found in Southwest Detroit. This community includes three of the state’s 15 most polluted zip codes, including 48210 and 48209. Indeed, according to the study, the 48217 zip code is the most polluted locale in the state of Michigan. This study is a confirmation of what area residents have long contended, and it reflects the gravity of conditions that threaten the health of the community; and
Whereas, A central finding of the University of Michigan researchers is that the high level of pollutants in the area is the result of the cumulative effects of decades of industrial activities, rather than the impact of a specific plant. The study acknowledged the significant reduction in pollution today, but identified the harm done because of the sum of gypsum, cement, steel, asphalt, oil refining, and other operations within this area of the city. While individual plants may be in compliance with set standards, this is little consolation to families living in Southwest Detroit; and
Whereas, Far beyond the well-known soot and metallic odors, the pollution in this area has had a profound health impact. This is evident in rates of various cancers, as well as heart and respiratory ailments. The seriousness of these threats is most pronounced in the hazards facing the community's children; and
Whereas, While our serious budgetary challenges have made all health and environmental challenges far greater and more difficult in recent years, it is imperative that stronger steps be taken to protect the people of this community. Better monitoring, more equipment, more inclusive assessments of the area's overall conditions when considering permits, and stronger communication with area residents are all examples of measures that are long overdue in the most polluted neighborhood in our entire state; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and other applicable agencies to address the cumulative effects of industrial pollution within Southwest Detroit as a top priority in light of the area being identified as the most polluted locale in Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
