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).
Impact
The proposed changes under HB 5917 will significantly impact existing state laws concerning water pollution and environmental protection. By mandating that applicants for discharge permits have approval from contiguous counties, the law encourages local jurisdictions to have a voice in environmental matters that affect them directly. This amendment is expected to enhance the accountability of dischargers and prioritize community interests in environmental health, thus aligning with broader goals of sustainable environmental stewardship and pollution prevention.
Summary
House Bill 5917 is an amendment to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act aimed at establishing stricter requirements for discharging waste into state waters. As stipulated in the bill, effective from January 1, 2025, individuals and entities must obtain a valid permit from the department before discharging any waste or waste effluent. A key part of this process includes demonstrating that permission has been granted from adjacent counties that could be impacted by the discharge. This requirement seeks to ensure that local concerns are adequately addressed before any permits are issued, potentially leading to collaborative environmental management in the region.
Contention
Despite the intended environmental benefits, the bill may encounter opposition based on its implications for regulatory burdens on businesses and industries that require discharge permits for operation. Critics may argue that this additional layer of requirements could hinder economic activities and lead to increased delays in permit approvals. Furthermore, there might be concerns regarding potential conflicts between the interests of local governments and state environmental policies, raising questions about the balance of power and decision-making authority in environmental governance.
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; 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; penalty for certain excess discharges into waters of the state; provide for. Amends sec. 3115 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3115) & adds secs. 3112d & 3119a.
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; 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.).