Michigan state lawmakers are asking the administration of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to turn over documents related to its handling of a contaminated-water crisis in the majority Black city of Benton Harbor.
The Detroit News obtained a letter revealing details of the request for records on the elevated lead levels from state Sen. Ed McBroom, a Republican from Vulcan, Mich., to the state’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.
“One of the department’s vital responsibilities is to ensure the safety and well-being of Michigan’s environment and the residents that reside in it,” the letter reads. “A thorough review of the department’s response to this tragedy is necessary and will help strengthen and preserve the department’s effectiveness moving forward,” the letter adds.
On Oct. 6, state officials encouraged residents to begin using bottled water for cooking, brushing teeth, rinsing foods and mixing infant formula. The state also announced it was expanding the availability of bottled water for residents.
