Michigan Senate Bill SB0608

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/24/23
• Refer: 10/24/23

Caption

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.

Impact

The implementation of SB0608 would notably strengthen the financial responsibilities of facilities that pose a risk of pollution. Owners or operators will be required to secure and maintain a financial assurance bond, calculated based on the potential costs associated with the response to pollution incidents. This requirement aims to ensure that, should an incident occur, sufficient funds are readily available to mitigate environmental damage, thereby protecting waterways and ecosystems, especially in safeguarding waters like the Great Lakes. Additionally, the bill defines various types of facilities that must comply, ensuring a broad applicability across industries that could impact environmental health.

Summary

Senate Bill 0608 aims to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act in Michigan, specifically by updating provisions that relate to pollution prevention and establishing financial assurance requirements for facilities that handle hazardous materials. The bill introduces a new section (3106c) that mandates facility owners or operators to maintain a bond as a form of financial assurance to cover potential environmental damage resulting from pollution incidents. This approach emphasizes the responsibility of businesses to ensure adequate financial coverage for clean-up and response activities in the event of a pollution incident.

Contention

While proponents argue that SB0608 enhances accountability and serves as a preventive measure against pollution, critics may raise concerns about the economic implications for small businesses, particularly regarding the financial burdens of securing the required bonds. The regulation could be seen as a challenge for smaller facilities that may struggle to comply with stringent financial assurance requirements. Therefore, the discourse around this bill may include discussions on balancing environmental protection with economic feasibility for local businesses.