Skip to main content

Nessel Joins Three Multi-State Comment Letters Opposing Proposed Environmental Rules, Weakened Student Protections from the Trump Administration

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined attorneys general from across the U.S. in three multi-state comment letters opposing weakened student protections and proposed federal environmental rules, including:

Nessel joined 19 attorneys general earlier this month in a comment letter to the US House Education and Labor Committee urging the committee to close loopholes in federal laws that entice for-profit schools to heavily market to veterans—often using high-pressure and deceptive sales tactics. As a result, veterans are disproportionally harmed when these schools violate consumer protection laws, offer low-quality or inadequate certificate and degree programs, or close abruptly leaving students burdened with heavy debt and low prospects for gainful employment.

“As Congress considers the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, it’s important they take into account the critical role state attorneys general play in protecting students from deceitful colleges and institutions who want nothing more than to increase their bottom line while students suffer from years of debt for low-quality programs.” Nessel said.

On April 19, 2019, Nessel joined 20 attorneys general in filing comments taking issue with the EPA’s proposed rule that finds regulating mercury and other hazardous air pollutants from coal-fired power plants is neither appropriate nor necessary. The multi-state coalition urges the EPA retain current Mercury and Air Standards, something it deemed appropriate and necessary in a supplemental finding in 2016.

“Coal-fired plants are still operational in Michigan,” Nessel said. “Failing to keep in place important regulations that protect our residents from hazardous chemicals is simply common sense. This office will always stand up for the health and well-being of all Michigan residents.”

Nessel joined 14 attorneys general on April 15, 2019 who submitted comments on the Trump administration’s rollback of federal jurisdiction and protections over many wetlands and smaller streams and lakes currently protected under the Clean Water Act.

“The Clean Water Act serves as a backstop for Michigan, protecting our state from those who seek to dial back Michigan’s most stringent regulations on the Great Lakes and our thousands of waterways across the state,” Nessel said. “This proposed rule change is watered-down policy that fails to protect the very waters we are entrusted with.” 

###

Author: