In 1991 Michigan Governor John Engler announced that a Michigan mercury reduction strategy would be developed. The state responded by developing and releasing two mercury reports. A background document on the mercury state-of-knowledge was assembled in 1992 by a state department workgroup and was utilized by Governor John Engler's Michigan Environmental Science Board (MESB) as a background document for their report, titled, "Mercury in Michigan's Environment: Environment and Human Health Concerns" completed in April 1993. A Mercury Action Plan was developed to address the recommendations identified in the MESB report and resulted in the formation of the Michigan Mercury Pollution Prevention (M2P2) Task Force convened August of 1994. The M2P2 Task Force report, "Mercury Pollution Prevention in Michigan - Summary of Current Efforts and Recommendations for Future Activities" was finalized April 1996.

The M2P2 Task Force initiated a variety of mercury reduction efforts and outlined specific recommendations to users of mercury-containing products or devices, including business, industry, state government and the general public to further reduce mercury in the environment. The M2P2 Task Force approach was to work cooperatively with the stakeholders to identify opportunities for mercury pollution prevention activities. Education and outreach was a key priority in working with the stakeholders. In order to facilitate communication efforts the M2P2 Task Force focused on six sector subgroups including the general public, health care, dental, electrical manufacturers/users, chemical manufacturers/users and the automobile sector. The M2P2 Task Force recognized that the mercury issue extends beyond Michigan's borders and also promoted their objectives and goals beyond state boundaries.

If you are interested in downloading a copy of the M2P2 Task Force April 1996 final report click here (pdf, 153 pages, 664 kb).