We speak with representatives from the groups Flint Rising and Progress Michigan. both are calling for Department of Environmental Quality director nominee Heidi Grether to be rejected by the legislature.
One of the most anticipated gatherings today involving state government is likely the beginning of confirmation hearings on Heidi Grether as Director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Critics of Grether’s appointment point to her former job as a lobbyist and spokeswoman for British Petroleum. They say her ties to a big oil company should disqualify her from the post. Grether has said that she wants people to wait and see how she runs the agency and that she intends to “follow the law and follow the rules.”
Current State talks with two people calling for Grether to be rejected by lawmakers. Nayyirah Shariff is an organizer with the group Flint Rising, and Sam Inglot is Deputy Communications Director for the liberal advocacy group, Progress Michigan.