This bill is expected to significantly impact state laws concerning the permitting and oversight of environmental facilities. It modifies regulations related to public notice for wastewater treatment permits, mandating a 60-day public comment period, which could be shortened to 30 days under certain conditions. Moreover, it expands the authority of the Pollution Control Agency to revoke or modify permits if required to prevent pollution, thereby reinforcing the agency’s control over environmental compliance and community health concerns.
Summary
Senate File 2833 (SF2833) aims to modify existing provisions pertaining to environmental permit efficiency, specifically in reference to wastewater treatment facilities, and the overall regulatory process governed by the Pollution Control Agency. The bill seeks to establish timelines for issuing and reviewing permits, aiming for expedited processes to facilitate environmental management. For instance, it outlines a goal to issue tier 2 permits within 210 days of application, thus intending to streamline the permitting processes to reduce unnecessary delays.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SF2833 include concerns about community rights and the potential hurried nature of environmental approvals. Critics of the proposed amendments may argue that compressing the timeframes for public comments could limit community engagement and oversight in environmental decision-making. Further discourse may arise around the implications of such changes for environmental justice, especially in communities that are particularly vulnerable to pollution, thus raising questions about how these efficiencies balance with adequate public input and health protections.
Fee increases clarified to require legislative approval, effluent limitation requirements modified, Pollution Control Agency permitting efficiency reports modified, procedure for filing petition seeking environmental assessment worksheet modified, Pollution Control Agency required to conduct analysis of funding alternatives for its air permit program, and money appropriated.
Wetland Conservation Act determinations efficiency improved, environmental and resource management permit application process improved, Pollution Control Agency required to issue separate permits for construction and operation of certain facilities, other provisions related to environmental review and licensing modified, and money appropriated.
Requirement to analyze and consider cumulative pollution before issuing air quality permit modification; identification of environmental justice areas establishment; demographic analysis in certain environmental permitting and review requirement
Drains: other; definition of per diem and compensation for drainage boards; modify. Amends secs. 72, 384, 441, 464 & 515 of 1956 PA 40 (MCL 280.72 et seq.).
Requires initial Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare eligibility determinations to be made not later than 21 days following application submission; provides that NJ FamilyCare coverage is terminated whenever required premium is not paid for three consecutive months.
Requires initial Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare eligibility determinations to be made not later than 21 days following application submission; provides that NJ FamilyCare coverage is terminated whenever required premium is not paid for three consecutive months.