Fwd #2: EM:/ Michigan Environmental Council Capitol Update – September 28, 2009
TJ Patrick
From: James Clift <ja...@environmentalcouncil.org>
Date: Mon, Sep 28, 2009 at 1:38 PM
Subject: EM:/ Michigan Environmental Council Capitol Update – September 28, 2009
To: envir...@great-lakes.net
The fate of wetland protection program is still uncertain, although
action by the House is a step in the right direction. The House
Great Lakes and the Environment Committee reported out a version which
took the work that went into SB 785 (committee passed version and made
a few small changes that were sufficient to garner support for the
environmental community). Meanwhile, the Senate took a large step in
the wrong direction by passing a version that would have resulted in
the eventually demise of the program in Michigan. Efforts will be
made to find a version acceptable to legislators this week.
Although some budgets have moved, the budget bill for the combined DNR
and DEQ is still stalled in conference committee. The target
agreement for the MDEQ calls for a 39% reduction in general fund from
last year’s levels. The budget bill for the combined DNR/DEQ budget is
HB 4446, conferees are Reps. Michael Lahti, John Espinoza, and Darwin
Booher -- Sens. Michelle McManus, Ron Jelinek, and Liz Brater.
Committee is currently scheduled for Tuesday morning.
Senate
Passed:
SB 785 – A bill to change the regulation of wetlands in Michigan.
SB 715 – A bill to require additional information on drain projects
for purposes of the notice of review of apportionment of benefits.
SB 726 – A bill to set the minimum age of 18 for membership
eligibility for appointment to a coordinated planning board.
SB 418 - A bill to increase funding for Centers of Energy Excellence Program.
On the floor:
HB 5055 – A bill to modify how marinas are regulated by the state –
moving from use of an operating permit to using only construction
permits. Local units of government will still have authority to
regulate some aspect of a marinas operation.
HB 5221 – A bill to eliminate the laboratory recognition program.
HB 5222 – A bill to eliminate the groundwater dispute resolution program.
HB 5223 – A bill to extend the authorization to collect water
discharge fees until 2011.
HB 5127 – A bill to provide for regulation of livestock animal health
and welfare by phasing out the use of certain cage types.
SB 251 – Budget bill for combined MDEQ and MDNR – FY 2009-10
The bill recombines the department, but cuts $6.0 million from the
general fund support for the MDEQ functions. It also eliminates the
wetland program. HB 4446 is the current vehicle bill for budget
discussions (in conference committee).
SB 388-89 – Bills that place of vehicles registration a $10.00 fee for
annual state park registration on all bills for car titles in Michigan
HB 4507 – A bill to add Huron, Tuscola, Sanilac and St. Clair Counties
as eligible for operation of off-road vehicles on road shoulders.
HB 5086 – A bill to increase the number of additional renaissance
zones for agricultural processing facilities.
In committee:
House
Passed:
HR 126 - A resolution to memorialize the United States Congress to
enact the American Clean Energy and Security Act.
HR 125 - A resolution to memorialize the United States Congress to
appropriate $475 million for a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
On the calendar:
HB 4677 - 4678 – Bills that would change the ways we fund state parks.
Instead of daily and annual permits, a fee of $10 would be placed on
the bill when you register your vehicle. Your Michigan license plate
would become your passport for using state facilities. A person could
opt out of paying the $10 by certifying that they do not use state
recreation areas.
HB 4610 – A bill to regulate and promote the use of horses in state
recreational land. Some areas that have been closed to use by horses
(due to erosion and other issues) would be re-opened.
HB 5017 – A bill to establish assessments on certain rental transactions.
HB 5018 - A bill to create the Michigan promotion fund.
HB 5088 – A bill to provide for the capture of unallocated use tax
revenue for distribution of tourism-related goods and services.
HB 5089 – A bill to revise distribution of revenue from tourism businesses.
In committee:
Energy and Technology will meet on Tuesday at 9:00 am to take up:
HB 5375 – A bill to create a new restricted fund for the purpose
funding a renewable energy and energy efficiency grant and loan
program.
Submitted by:
James Clift, Policy Director
Michigan Environmental Council
119 Pere Marquette, Ste 2A
Lansing, MI 48912
www.environmentalcouncil.
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