County Supports Clean Air Act

A resolution passed by the Washtenaw County board of commissioners at their May 2, 2012 meeting expresses support for the U.S. Clean Air Act, and opposes “attempts to weaken, dismantle, overrule or otherwise impede the Environmental Protection Agency from enforcing or implementing” the act. Rob Turner (R-District 1) voted against the resolution, citing concerns about the impact on business and employment. Dan Smith (R-District 2) abstained.

The resolution was requested by Dick Fleece, director of the county’s public health department. A staff memo accompanying the resolution notes that since the Washtenaw County Clean Indoor Air Regulation was implemented in 2003, the number of county residents using tobacco has dropped from 18% in 2003 to 12% in 2012. The memo notes that ”supporting the Clean Air Act, along with national standards can provide protection from traveling air pollutants,” including emissions from Michigan’s 19 coal-fired power plants.

This brief was filed from the boardroom of the county administration building, 220 N. Main in Ann Arbor. A more detailed report will follow: [link]