New Legislation to Combat Avian Flu

New Legislation to Combat Avian Flu

by | Aug 1, 2024 | Agriculture

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Hi there,

I want to talk to you about a new bipartisan bill I’ve introduced to address the ongoing outbreak of avian flu in dairy cattle, which includes detections here in Michigan. It’s called the Avian Influenza and Research and Response Act and it would ensure farmers are prepared and protected as we combat avian flu.

I’ve heard directly from Michigan farmers on the forefront of this outbreak about how it has been disrupting their operations and threatening their livelihoods, and this legislation is drawn directly from those conversations.

The Avian Influenza and Research and Response Act would:

  • Require the Department of Agriculture to create a biosecurity education and training program for dairy producers.
  • Prioritize avian flu research.
  • Codify in law compensation for dairy farmers whose milk production has suffered due to avian influenza.

Food security is national security, so it’s critical that we take action to protect dairy cattle, ensure the integrity of our milk supply, and support our farmers. As we continue to combat avian flu, I’ll be working closely with state, local, and federal officials to mitigate the effects of its spread.

– Rep. Elissa Slotkin
Action to Increase Fuel Supplies, Mitigate Price at Gas Stations

Action to Increase Fuel Supplies, Mitigate Price at Gas Stations

by | Aug 1, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 31, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Takes Proactive Action to Increase Fuel Supplies, Mitigate Price Fluctuations at Gas Stations Across Michigan

Letter requests the federal government issue an emergency fuel waiver ahead of severe weather and potential supply disruptions.

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer took a proactive step to protect Michigan residents from potential fuel and gas supply disruptions, following the recent outage at an oil refinery in Illinois. As a precautionary measure, the governor sent a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), requesting an emergency fuel waiver that will increase the supply of fuel and mitigate price fluctuations amidst the refinery outage, the ongoing hurricane season, and as Michiganders continue to enjoy summer travel plans.

 

“Today, I’m taking action to help protect Michiganders from fuel supply disruptions,” said Governor Whitmer. “With hurricane season in full swing and a refinery outage in Illinois, we must ensure we’re taking all the steps necessary to proactively protect Michiganders’ access to fuel for their cars, homes, and businesses without delay. That’s why I am dedicated to working with the EPA to keep fuel available and affordable for Michiganders by temporarily removing barriers to ensure an adequate and stable fuel supply. Together, let’s get it done.”

 

Excerpt From Governor Whitmer’s Letter to the EPA

Michigan requests that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issue a waiver regarding reformulated gasoline regulations in Michigan. With a refinery in the region being offline due to unforeseen circumstances . . . precautionary measures must be taken to contain fuel supply disruptions and potential cost increases across the region.

 

My administration has been in close communication with officials in Illinois and other Midwest states since the ExxonMobil Joliet Refinery lost power and went offline on July 15 due to severe weather.

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I respectfully ask that you consider this request, as it has the potential to prevent fuel supply disruptions and reduce or eliminate the potential impact on residents in Michigan and across the Midwest.

 

Background on Potential Supply Disruptions

The ExxonMobil Joliet Refinery, based in Illinois, unexpectedly shut down this summer due to severe weather, with the outage expected to last into August. The 2024 hurricane season is anticipated to be severe, potentially putting additional fuel transport from the Gulf region at risk.