LANSING — In Michigan, health and environmental advocates are raising concerns about proposed federal rollbacks affecting clean energy and air quality rules.
Advocates say the changes, including revisions to soot standards and power plant emission regulations, could worsen pollution and increase health risks, especially in industrial and overburdened communities.
The American Lung Association reports Grand Rapids ranks among the nation’s worst cities for ozone and particle pollution, based on data from 2021 through 2023.
Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action says clean energy policies reduce exposure to pollutants linked to asthma, heart disease, and other respiratory conditions.
The Public News Service reports supporters of the federal changes argue they reduce regulatory costs and improve energy reliability.
The Environmental Protection Agency says it is pursuing 31 rollbacks of climate, air, and water pollution regulations, described as the largest deregulatory effort in U.S. history.