8.3.1986

Agreement is reached on an expansion of the Superfund program.  Dingell leads the House negotiators through the process.  Dingell says of the Superfund Act Amendments of 1986:  "This bill will go a long way toward putting some real teeth into the law.  The EPA can now get on with the job of eliminating the most single (sic) important threat to our environment – hazardous waste."
The new law ensures that Michigan's most toxic waste sites will get cleaned up.  The bill is signed into law in October 1986.  (Detroit News, 8.4.1986; 10.18.86)

8.15.1986

Dingell leads federal efforts to clean up Rouge River.  Dingell writes to the General Accounting Office requesting a formal study to determine whether toxic levels in the Rouge River exceed federal or state limits and whether the sources of pollution had been identified and the cost of clean up.  The Rouge River is one of the biggest sources of pollution into the Great Lakes.  The Detroit News reported that "it contains toxic chemicals, raw sewage and garbage that make it unsafe for fishing and recreation."(Detroit News, 8.16.86, Dearborn Press and Guide, 8.28.1986)

Over the next 20 years, Dingell will secure $350 million in federal funding as part of an unprecedented effort that involves state, local and international officials all working together to clean up this precious natural resource. (http://www.detnews.com/2002/editorial/0207/29/a09-548153.htm; http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/7cd665409c3553858525701a0052e38d?OpenDocument)

In 2002, for the first time in a decade, the water quality in the river improved for three straight years.  (http://www.freep.com/news/metro/rouge23_20020923.htm)

11.8.1986

John Dingell elected to a 17th term, defeating Frank Grzywacki with 78% of the vote.  Vote results 101,659 – 28,971.

Christopher Dingell is elected to the Michigan State Senate.