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Overview
Republican Governor of Michigan (2011-2019) whose administration's decision to switch Flint's water source to the corrosive Flint River in April 2014 - as a cost-cutting measure - caused a catastrophic public health crisis. The switch leached lead from aging pipes into drinking water consumed by nearly 100,000 residents, causing permanent brain damage in thousands of children, outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease that killed at least 12 people, and a humanitarian disaster that became an international symbol of environmental racism and government failure.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Administration switched Flint water source to corrosive Flint River in 2014 as cost-cutting measure under emergency manager
State officials ignored warnings for 18 months while residents drank lead-contaminated water causing permanent brain damage in children
At least 12 people died from Legionnaires' disease outbreak linked to the water contamination
Internal emails showed his staff knew about water quality problems months before public acknowledgment
Appointed unelected emergency managers who overrode democratically elected local officials in majority-Black cities
Emergency manager law (PA 436) disproportionately affected Black communities; Flint was 54% Black
Criminal charges of willful neglect of duty initially brought in 2021 but dismissed on procedural grounds in 2022
Estimated cost of Flint water crisis response exceeded $600 million; full infrastructure replacement ongoing years later
Related Investigations (2)
Criminal Charges & Violations
2 documented violations
MCL 750.478a - Willful Neglect of Duty by a Public OfficerCharged with two misdemeanor counts of willful neglect of duty for failure to protect Flint residents from lead-contaminated water; charges dismissed on procedural grounds(regulatory)
Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. § 300f) - Regulatory FailureState under his leadership failed to enforce federal safe drinking water standards and implement required corrosion control treatment(regulatory)
Known Associates & Connections
Darnell Earley
Emergency manager of Flint who approved the water source switch
Nick Lyon
Michigan Health Director charged with involuntary manslaughter over Legionnaires' outbreak; charges dismissed
Dan Wyant
Michigan DEQ Director who resigned over agency's failure to require corrosion control treatment
Sources & Documentation
3 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Michigan Civil Rights Commission: The Flint Water Crisis Report(2017)
EPA Office of Inspector General: Flint Water Report(2018)
Flint Water Advisory Task Force Final Report(2016)
Personal Information
- Born
- 1958-08-19
- Birthplace
- Battle Creek, Michigan
- Also Known As
- One Tough Nerd
Education
- •B.A., MBA, and J.D., University of Michigan (1982)
Key Timeline
2011-01
Inaugurated as Governor of Michigan; signs emergency manager law expanding state control over struggling cities
2013-11
Emergency manager appointed for Flint approves plan to switch water source from Detroit system to Flint River
2014-04-25
Flint water source switched to Flint River; residents immediately complain about water color, taste, and smell
2014-08
E. coli and total coliform bacteria detected in Flint water; boil advisories issued
2015-02
Elevated lead levels detected in Flint resident's home; state officials dismiss concerns
2015-09
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha publishes research showing children's blood lead levels doubled and tripled since water switch
2015-10-16
Flint reconnected to Detroit water system 18 months after switch; Snyder declares state of emergency in January 2016
2016-01-16
President Obama declares federal state of emergency for Flint; National Guard deployed to distribute water
2021-01-14
Indicted on two misdemeanor willful neglect of duty charges related to Flint water crisis
2022-06
Charges dismissed by Michigan judge on procedural grounds related to grand jury process