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Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today sent a letter to Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Director Phil Roos requesting information about recent reports on the presence of neonicotinoid pesticides (“neonics”) in Michigan waterways, including creeks and rivers that ultimately flow into the Great Lakes, at concentrations known to harm aquatic life and raise potential risks for human health.

“Since I’ve been Congress, protecting Michigan’s natural resources and safeguarding access to clean water have been my top priorities,” Dingell writes. “Whether fighting to clean up PFAS contamination, addressing toxic waste in Wayne County, or ensuring safe drinking water in our communities, I have consistently worked with federal, state, and local partners to defend both public health and our environment.”

“The emerging threat posed by neonics requires urgent attention,” Dingell continues. “EGLE’s monitoring has already found neonic levels exceeding thresholds in St. Clair, Saginaw, Ottawa, and Huron Counties. I appreciate that EGLE has expanded its statewide monitoring program and begun developing pollution diets (TMDLs), but the extent of contamination reported suggests this challenge could be far more widespread.”

“Michigan’s identity and economy are tied to clean and safe water,” Dingell concludes. “We must protect the Great Lakes and our inland waterways before the damage becomes irreversible. I look forward to working with EGLE as you continue this critical monitoring and regulatory work, and I ask that you keep me updated on your findings and next steps.”

Dingell requested answers to the following questions:

1. Beyond the regions already reported, is EGLE currently testing for neonics in Southeast Michigan, including Washtenaw and Wayne Counties? If so, what results have been observed?
2. How is EGLE coordinating with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on research, enforcement, and potential regulatory actions related to neonicotinoids?
3. Are current statewide water quality values sufficient to protect aquatic life and drinking water sources or should stronger standards be considered?
4. What additional resources or authorities would help EGLE more effectively monitor, mitigate, or restrict neonic contamination?
5. How is EGLE engaging with agricultural stakeholders, municipalities, and environmental groups to ensure transparency and accountability to the public as this issue evolves?
6. What more can we do at the federal level to support EGLE’s work in protecting Michigan’s waterways from contamination?

View the full text of the letter here.