Environmental protection: water pollution; water resources protection; modify. Amends sec. 3103 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3103).
Impact
One of the significant implications of HB5205 is the reinforcement of state control over water resource management. The bill emphasizes the authority of the Department of Natural Resources to enforce existing regulations while limiting the promulgation of new rules post-2006, thus potentially stabilizing the regulatory environment for water management. This could influence state laws regarding the handling of pollutants and the procedures for managing water-related concerns in Michigan, fostering a more unified approach to environmental protection.
Summary
House Bill 5205 aims to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, specifically targeting water resources and pollution control. The bill mandates the Department of Natural Resources to maintain and conserve both surface and underground water resources within the state. This includes supervision over pollution impacts, particularly those affecting the Great Lakes, and allows the department to engage in studies and investigations regarding water usage. Furthermore, the department is empowered to cooperate with various governmental entities to enhance this oversight.
Contention
Notably, discussions around HB5205 may involve points of contention regarding the balance of state versus local authority in environmental matters. Critics may argue that restricting new regulatory frameworks could hinder local governments from addressing specific ecological issues pertinent to their communities. Moreover, the limitations placed on rule-making might be viewed as a barrier to adapting promptly to emerging environmental challenges, which could raise concerns among stakeholders advocating for more progressive water protection measures.
Environmental protection: pollution prevention; financial assurance for any facility required to file a pollution incident prevention plan; require. Amends secs. 3101, 3103 & 3115 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3101 et seq.) & adds sec. 3106c.
Environmental protection: pollution prevention; financial assurance for any facility required to file a pollution incident prevention plan; require. Amends secs. 3101, 3103 & 3115 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3101 et seq.) & adds sec. 3106c.
Environmental protection: other; requirements for people that use sewage sludge or sewage sludge derivatives in land application to test for PFAS; provide for. Amends secs. 3103 & 3131 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3103 & 324.3131).
Environmental protection: water pollution; penalty for certain excess discharges into waters of the state; provide for. Amends secs. 3112a & 3115 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3112a & 324.3115) & adds sec. 3119a.
Environmental protection: other; general amendments to fees in the natural resources and environmental protection act; modify. Amends secs. 3122, 4112, 5522, 11525a, 17303, 17317, 80130, 80315, 81114 & 82156 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3122 et seq.).
Environmental protection: water pollution; application requirements for new or increased discharge permit under NREPA; modify. Amends sec. 3112 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3112).
Environmental protection: water pollution; application requirements for new or increased discharge permit under NREPA; modify. Amends sec. 3112 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3112).