So, there were two PFAS-related stories this past week in Michigan — one positive, one less than positive.
The first story:
The U.S. military has agreed to install groundwater treatment systems to stop the flow of PFAS contamination around the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda — a move hailed by politicians and local advocates.
The decision, first announced in Oscoda Wednesday, is seen as a first-in-the-nation step by the U.S. Defense Department to take quicker action to contain the compound from spreading, and follows years of criticism from local and state officials about the commitment and pace of military efforts to address the environmental harm.
Hey, you don't hear this often, but, "Good on ya, Defense Department! We appreciate you stepping up to do the right thing."
Naturally, as an editorial cartoonist, I decided to address the second story:
A new state appeals court ruling would kill Michigan’s restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels in drinking water, if left standing.
The 2-1 ruling stems from a 2021 lawsuit by Minneapolis-based chemical manufacturer 3M, which argued Michigan’s process to develop drinking water standards was “rushed and invalid.”
To which 3M stockholders not living in Michigan say, "Good on ya, 3M! We appreciate you stepping up to do the right thing."
John Auchter is a freelance political cartoonist. His views are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Michigan Radio, its management, or its license holder, the University of Michigan.
