Environmental protection: permits; groundwater discharge permit requirements; modify. Amends sec. 3122 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3122).
Impact
The anticipated impact of HB 5914 is substantial, particularly regarding existing environmental laws. Following its enactment, local governments would have diminished control over environmental measures they currently enforce, as state law would prevail. This shift seeks to eliminate discrepancies that arise from local jurisdictions implementing their own rules, which can often hinder businesses from operating efficiently. Critics of the measure argue that this undermines the ability of local officials to respond to unique community needs and environmental challenges specific to their areas.
Summary
House Bill 5914 addresses significant changes to current environmental regulations that affect both businesses and local governments. The bill aims to centralize authority over specific environmental matters under state control, which proponents argue will create a more consistent and streamlined regulatory process across the state. Supporters believe this will enhance business operations by reducing the complexity created by varying local regulations, thus promoting economic stability and growth.
Contention
Controversy surrounding HB 5914 primarily stems from concerns about local autonomy and public health implications. Environmental advocates and municipal leaders have raised alarms that the bill represents an overreach of state authority, limiting localities' capacity to enact specific regulations that cater to their unique environmental challenges. Moreover, some factions believe the bill prioritizes business interests at the expense of environmental protection and community well-being, resulting in a polarized debate among lawmakers and stakeholders.
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; 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: 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).
Environmental protection: permits; denial of or imposition of additional conditions on; provide for when projects are located in environmentally overburdened communities, and repeal environmental permit review commission provisions. Amends secs. 1301, 1305, 1307 & 1311 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.1301 et seq.); adds secs. 1331, 1333, 1335, 1337, 1339 & 1341 & repeals secs. 1313 - 1317 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.1313 - 324.1317).
Environmental protection: solid waste; reporting and compliance requirements for anaerobic digesters; modify. Amends secs. 11502 & 11503 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.11502 & 324.11503). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5790'24