Michigan lawmakers push state control over clean air after federal rollback

A new state bill would give Michigan the power to enforce its own clean air standards after the Environmental Protection Agency repealed federal greenhouse gas regulations earlier this year. The legislation is pending in the Senate Energy and Environment Committee.

Sen. Jeff Irwin of Ann Arbor is one of five Democratic cosponsors of the measure, introduced by Sen. Sue Shink, D-Northfield Township, on Earth Day, April 22.

The federal shift that triggered the bill

The EPA repealed the 2009 federal Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding, which had allowed the agency to regulate motor vehicle emissions. The agency also removed all standard emissions regulations for all engine types. The EPA called it the largest deregulatory action in U.S. history.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel called the changes "an immediate danger to Michigan’s environment and economy."

Nessel pointed to a 2007 U.S. Supreme Court decision in a Massachusetts case confirming that the Clean Air Act does authorize the EPA to create such regulations.

$5.5 billion at stake

A 2025 University of Maryland study found Michigan is among the states most affected by the environmental rollbacks. The study estimated the changes would cost the state’s gross domestic product about $5.5 billion by 2035.

Josef Stephens, public information officer at the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, said the ruling affects how strict regulators are when approving permits for new or expanding pollution sources.

"People most at risk from pollution, especially children, elderly people, and those with heart or lung conditions, are protected by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards," Stephens said. "When ozone levels exceed those standards, they are more likely to experience serious health problems, which is why meeting the standards is critical for protecting communities across Michigan."

What the bill would change

Under current state regulations, companies can legally release pollutants if they obtain the proper permits. Shink said that leaves residents without a legal right to demand action before pollution happens.

"Under current law, residents may petition public entities, lobby legislators and attend public hearings, but they have no legal right to demand action in so many cases, especially before pollution and degradation happens," Shink said at a news conference.

The legislation, called the "Michigan Green" amendment, would localize clean air and water regulations despite reduced federal protections. According to a press release from Michigan Senate Democrats, the bill would:

  • Hold polluters accountable by requiring more thorough cleanups
  • Make information about pollution sites more available
  • Make it easier for those harmed by pollution to seek justice

Shink said her bill would "make polluters who expose people to hazardous substances liable for the screening they need to catch health problems early, when they are most treatable."

Who is backing the bill

The cosponsors are:

  • Sen. Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit
  • Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak
  • Sen. Dayna Polehanki, D-Livonia
  • Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor
  • Sen. Veronica Klinefelt, D-Eastpointe

The bill remains in the Senate Energy and Environment Committee as of Friday.