WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, Dec. 13, Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell urged Michigan Speaker of the House Tom Leonard and the state legislature to reject a proposal allowing hazardous waste facilities across Michigan to accept material up to ten times more radioactive than what is currently allowed under state law.

The legislation proposes an increase in disposal levels for TENORM, a technologically enhanced and naturally occurring radioactive material.

Most TENORM waste is a byproduct of the hydraulic fracturing (fracking) process for oil and natural gas, as well as from the mining industry, water treatment process and some consumer products. She is urging all leaders, stakeholders and communities to oppose Senate Bill 196 and to not bring it to a vote.

“We must stand up for the health and safety of Michigan’s future generations and uphold strong environmental safeguards long-term—not cater to corporate interests,” she said. “I would have hoped all Michigan leaders learned something from the Flint water crisis, apparently not.”