MiMfg Magazine February 2020 | Page 16

16 MiMfg Magazine February 2020 MFG Legislative Outlook MMA Supports Science-Based PFAS Drinking Water Standards MMA delivered public comment urging that state officials ensure new per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) drinking water standards are rooted in the latest and best science. Dave Greco, MMA director of regulatory and environmental affairs, emphasized MMA’s commitment to working with state regulators to support PFAS drinking water standards during the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) public hearing in Roscommon on 1/16/20. “We believe the state can protect both the public health and its economic competitiveness; they are not mutually exclusive goals,” said Greco. “We have been actively engaged in discussions with state regulators, legislators and local communities for nearly two years, and we welcome the opportunity to be part of the solution to what has been identified as a challenging and complex problem.” MMA commissioned an independent peer review report by leading PFAS researchers on the proposed rules and believes this report will aid in the rulemaking process by providing credible scientific and technical information. Log into mimfg.org to access MMA’s formal written comments and a copy of the report in late January to EGLE and the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team. MMA wants to work productively with the state as it develops regulatory drinking water standards for PFAS. MMA encouraged the state to use settled and established science as the foundation for rulemaking and also encouraged further work on the cost-benefit analysis for meeting standards to ensure municipal water supply systems and their customers — both residential and business — have a clear understanding of the costs associated with compliance. “MMA supports the state’s dedication to ensuring the soundness of information and data used in establishing new PFAS drinking water standards, as doing so will enable the state to avoid costly and uncertain legal challenges that could create regulatory uncertainty for Michigan companies,” said Mike Johnston, MMA vice president of government affairs. “To be clear, we agree the safety of public drinking water supplies is paramount, as is the public’s confidence in drinking water safety.” For more information about PFAS, contact MMA’s Dave Greco at 517-487-8543 or [email protected]. Make Your Voice Heard While our members work to innovate new products, create jobs and invest in local communities, MMA works for your competitiveness in Lansing. Make your voice heard by joining an MMA Policy Committee. Contact MMA’s Eleanor Surtman, at 517-487-8552 or [email protected], for more information. • Air Policy Committee • Employment and Workforce Policy Committee • Energy Policy Committee • Environmental Policy Committee • Food Manufacturers Policy Committee • Government Affairs Committee • Health Care Policy Committee • Lawyers Committee • Mining & Natural Resource Industries Policy Committee • Tax Policy Committee Help Save Going PRO; Michigan’s #1 Talent Funding Source Since 2014 The future of the state’s most effective resource to combat manufacturing’s talent crisis is at risk. Lend your voice today to restore funding to the Going PRO Talent Fund. Since Fiscal Year 2014, more than 3,136 companies have received awards averaging over $31,500 each to go toward talent development, improved productivity, and greater employee retention. Going PRO provides creative, driven, future-focused manufacturers with the tools and talent to compete in a global economy. In late 2019, the veto of $36.5 million for the fiscal year 2020 award cycle has put the ability of the Going PRO Talent Fund to help manufacturers invest and create jobs on hold. With more than $100 million in dedicated talent dollars to date, the Going PRO Talent Fund has been a game-changer for many businesses and now MMA needs your help as it works to restore this critical funding. Contact MMA’s Delaney McKinley, at 517-487-8530 or [email protected], for more information and utilize MMA’s Voter Voice member engagement service to connect directly with Governor Whitmer and your local leaders to urge them to support the mission of Going PRO. 6