Story perspectives

Nessel Releases 100-Page Flint Prosecution Report, Cases Ended

8/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Attorney General Dana Nessel released a 100-page report on Flint water-crisis criminal prosecutions on Tuesday.
A 2022 Michigan Supreme Court ruling barred one-person grand jury indictments, ending all criminal cases.
Taxpayers spent about $7.6 million on defense attorneys, including $2.57 million for former Governor Rick Snyder.
Civil litigation secured a $600 million settlement, the largest in Michigan history, for Flint victims.

History

Historical Context

The 1980 enactment of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Superfund) followed the Love Canal disaster, mandating federal cleanup of hazardous sites. The EPA allocated $1.6 billion that year, and President Jimmy Carter signed the law, establishing a $6 billion trust fund for victims. Today, Attorney General Dana Nessel’s Flint water-crisis report echoes Superfund’s legacy as Michigan taxpayers have spent $7.6 million on defense, including $2.57 million for Governor Rick Snyder. The precedent suggests future Michigan settlements may invoke federal liability frameworks, potentially expanding compensation beyond the $600 million civil award secured for Flint victims.

1 of 2

Story summary

Attorney General Dana Nessel released a 100-page report on Flint water-crisis criminal prosecutions on Tuesday.
A 2022 Michigan Supreme Court ruling barred one-person grand jury indictments, ending all criminal cases.
Taxpayers spent about $7.6 million on defense attorneys, including $2.57 million for former Governor Rick Snyder.
Civil litigation secured a $600 million settlement, the largest in Michigan history, for Flint victims.

1 / 2