Story highlights Sanders said there were "no excuses" for the prolonged water issues in Flint

"The governor long ago knew about the lead in Flint's water. He did nothing. As a result, hundreds of children were poisoned," Sanders said

Charleston, South Carolina (CNN) Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders on Saturday called for Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder to resign over Flint's drinking water crisis.

Sanders said there were "no excuses" for the prolonged water issues in Flint, which started two years ago when the state choose to switch the city's water supply from Lake Huron to the Flint River in an effort to save money.

"The governor long ago knew about the lead in Flint's water. He did nothing. As a result, hundreds of children were poisoned," Sanders said in a statement. "Thousands may have been exposed to potential brain damage from lead. Gov. Snyder should resign."

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said Friday he will investigate the water crisis to determine whether any Michigan laws have been violated.

A class action lawsuit has been filed against the state, arguing that the state Department of Environmental Quality was negligent for not treating the Flint River water with an anti-corrosive agent. The water was then corroding pipes, which filed iron and lead into the water.

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