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Gov. Whitmer set to sign new executive orders related to drinking water

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) (left) listens as she is given a tour of Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan.
Steve Carmody
/
Michigan Radio
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) (left) listens as she is given a tour of Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) (left) listens as she is given a tour of Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan.
Credit steve carmody / Michigan Radio
/
Michigan Radio
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) (left) listens as she is given a tour of Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan.

The dispute between Michigan’s Democratic governor and Republican legislative leaders over revamping the state’s environmental regulatory department is set to begin another round.

Republican lawmakers have already thwarted Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s first attemptto use an executive order to overhaul the Department of Environmental Quality. GOP lawmakers were critical of Whitmer’s decision to eliminate panels created by state lawmakers to oversee the agency’s decisions.

But the governor is getting ready to try again.

“I will be signing a couple of executive orders in the very near future. They ensure that we have clean drinking water. That’s my number one job,” Whitmer told reporters in Flint on Tuesday.

But also on Tuesday, State House Republicans introduced a resolution directing the Democratic governor to submit her DEQ plan to the Legislature.

HR 26 reads in part:

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Governor, pursuant to Article V, Section 2 of the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963, to submit an executive order to reorganize the executive branch towards improving environmental protections, access to safe and clean drinking water, and the health and safety of Michigan's citizens, in a manner consistent with the intent of the Legislature

When asked about the resolution, Whitmer dismissed it.

“I think that they’re playing political games,” said Whitmer. “I’m too serious about cleaning up drinking water and focus on fixing issues to play games.”

Copyright 2019 Michigan Radio

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Radio since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting. During his two and a half decades in broadcasting, Steve has won numerous awards, including accolades from the Associated Press and Radio and Television News Directors Association. Away from the broadcast booth, Steve is an avid reader and movie fanatic. Q&A