Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) on Thursday issued an order banning the use of private email accounts for state business.

The Detroit Free Press reported that Whitmer's order also prohibits elected officials from using state government accounts to conduct personal business.

“State government must be open, transparent and accountable to Michigan taxpayers,” Whitmer said in announcing the new rule.

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“To continue to earn public confidence, we must set good examples and act ethically at all times," she added. "This series of executive directives underscores the high expectations and integrity Michiganders should expect from the dedicated public servants who serve in state government."

The directive does not specify penalties for violating the ban, The Detroit Free Press reported. Former Gov. Rick Snyder (R) did not encourage the use of private email, but did not specifically ban it, the news outlet reported.

Whitmer took the oath of office on Tuesday after defeating Republican Bill Schuette in November's election.

The order comes after state officials were found to have used private emails to communicate about the water safety crisis in Flint. Messages exchanged on private accounts are not subject to the state's Freedom of Information Act.

The state revealed in 2015 that due to a switch in Flint’s water source meant to save money, the city’s water pipes had corroded, contaminating the drinking water with lead and sparking a massive public health crisis.

The use of private email among government officials has caused consternation at the national level, as well. Republicans seized on Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonBarr criticizes DOJ in speech declaring all agency power 'is invested in the attorney general' Virginia Democrat blasts Trump's 'appalling' remark about COVID-19 deaths in 'blue states' The Hill's Campaign Report: Biden asks if public can trust vaccine from Trump ahead of Election Day | Oklahoma health officials raised red flags before Trump rally MORE's use of a private server while she was secretary of State, though she was not found to have violated any laws.

White House advisers Jared Kushner Jared Corey KushnerAbraham Accords: New hope for peace in Middle East Tenants in Kushner building file lawsuit alleging dangerous living conditions Trump hosts Israel, UAE, Bahrain for historic signing MORE and Ivanka Trump Ivana (Ivanka) Marie TrumpIvana Trump: Ivanka could 'definitely' be first female president The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Trump's West Coast campaign swing Ivanka Trump to campaign for father in four states this week MORE also came under scrutiny after they were reported to have used private email while working for the Trump administration.