Michigan House Bill HB5247

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/25/23
• Refer: 10/25/23

Caption

Environmental protection: cleanups; cleanup standards; require. Amends secs. 20101, 20107a, 20112a, 20114, 20114b, 20114c, 20114d, 20114e, 20114g, 20126 & 20126a of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.20101 et seq.) & repeals sec. 20114a of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.20114a). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5245'23

Impact

The proposed changes under HB 5247 will affect various stakeholders, including property owners, businesses, and government agencies. By mandating a clear set of cleanup standards and refining liability definitions, the bill intends to facilitate better response strategies to environmental contamination. Notably, the bill seeks to streamline the process for evaluating and reporting hazardous substance releases, which could lead to improved public health safety outcomes in affected communities.

Summary

House Bill 5247 aims to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451) to update cleanup standards and response activities related to hazardous substances. The bill involves amendments to several sections, including those concerning definitions related to contaminated sites, liability for damages, and established civil fines for non-compliance with reporting requirements. Its primary goal is to enhance the environmental protection framework in Michigan by ensuring that cleanup activities are conducted effectively and in compliance with state laws.

Contention

While HB 5247 has been framed as a necessary update to bolster environmental protections, there may be concerns regarding the implications for property owners and businesses. The bill introduces civil fines that could financially impact entities failing to comply with new reporting requirements, potentially raising issues around fairness and the disproportionate burden placed on smaller operations. Further discussions are likely to address how these changes would interact with existing laws and the sufficiency of the proposed responses to environmental threats.