Environmental protection: other; grant program for farmers affected by polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS); create. Amends 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.101 - 324.90106) by adding sec. 402.
Impact
The grant program outlined in HB 5965 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws related to agricultural operations and environmental protection. By establishing a mechanism for farmers to receive financial aid, the bill seeks to support not only their recovery but also the state’s agricultural economy, helping farmers cover costs associated with health care, land transactions, and contamination remediation. The introduction of the PFAS impact fund further allows for sustainable financial management and allocation of resources to address PFAS-related challenges in agriculture.
Summary
House Bill 5965 aims to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to introduce a grant program for farmers affected by PFAS contamination. The bill seeks to establish a framework within which the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, will provide targeted financial assistance to farmers whose land, agricultural products, or water has been contaminated by PFAS. The program is designed to help mitigate the financial impact of contamination, ensuring that affected farmers can maintain productive farming operations.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 5965 may arise concerning the adequacy of funding for the grant program and specific eligibility requirements for farmers. Questions may also be raised regarding the extent of financial support provided, particularly as it pertains to indemnities for livestock depopulation or agricultural income loss. Critics may argue about the effectiveness of such programs in genuinely alleviating the negative impacts of PFAS contamination or whether the regulations are sufficient to prevent further contamination.
Environmental protection: recycling and waste utilization; packaging reduction and recycling requirements; create. Amends 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.101 - 324.90106) by adding pt. 177.
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: other; citations to the motor vehicle sales finance act in the natural resources and environmental protection act; revise. Amends sec. 20101 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.20101). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5354'23
Environmental protection: solid waste; reporting and compliance requirements for anaerobic digesters; modify. Amends secs. 11506 & 11568 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.11506 & 324.11568). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4257'25
Environmental protection: solid waste; reporting and compliance requirements for anaerobic digesters; modify. Amends secs. 11506 & 11568 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.11506 & 324.11568). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5789'24