State Rep. Doug Wozniak, R-Shelby Township, expressed his strong support for U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga’s efforts to push back against the Whitmer Administration’s overbearing and vague Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) mandate on PFAS testing, which is threatening the future of harbor dredging across the state.

“The Whitmer Administration’s reckless approach to PFAS testing is causing unnecessary chaos that will negatively impact Michigan’s families, small businesses, and local economies,” said Wozniak. “EGLE’s failure to set clear standards is creating confusion and unnecessary roadblocks, leaving communities and businesses in limbo. EGLE must provide clear and reasonable guidelines before enforcing mandates that jeopardize vital dredging operations.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has stated that it will not authorize PFAS testing for dredging projects until the State of Michigan clearly defines its acceptable threshold for contamination levels. Without this critical guidance, necessary dredging operations are at a standstill, jeopardizing shipping lanes, commercial harbors, and the delivery of key materials essential for Michigan’s infrastructure projects.

“I fully support Congressman Huizenga’s call for clarity and action,” said Wozniak. “The Whitmer Administration needs to stop stonewalling and immediately provide the necessary standards to allow dredging to move forward. The economic well-being of our communities and the viability of our waterways depend on it.”

• This is the list of the 14 federal harbors likely to be impacted:
• Alpena
• Black River, MI (Port Huron)
• Clinton River
• Detroit River
• Grand Haven (inner)
• Holland (Inner)
• Manistee (inner)
• Menominee
• Monroe
• Rouge
• Saginaw
• South Haven (inner)
• St. Clair
• St. Joe (inner)