Michigan Agency Proposes Regulating Fewer Air Pollutants

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan regulators plan to reduce the number of pollutants regulated when companies seek air-pollution permits.

The Department of Environmental Quality released rules Thursday. It says defining fewer low-toxicity substances as toxins reduces "unnecessary red tape."

Environmental groups worry about fewer chemicals being tested for their impact on public health. The Michigan Environmental Council's Sean Hammond says it's better to assume contaminants are unsafe so companies limit exposure.

Michigan would have 756 regulated contaminants under the rules, down from more than 1,200.

DEQ Air Quality Division Chief Lynn Fiedler says Michigan regulations would remain stronger than the federal government and nearly every other state. She says it's better to focus on regulating pollutants of "most concern."

The rules will go to a regulatory office and then a legislative committee for consideration.

Pollution