House, Senate committees approve repeal of environmental oversight boards

Legislation to eliminate three environmental oversight boards, with the purpose of providing transparency and accountability within the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, has advanced to the floor of the state House and Senate. 

“Michigan Farm Bureau opposes the legislation and is disappointed to see it move out of committee,” said Ben Tirrell, legislative counsel for the organization. “The bills unravel the work previously done to ensure policy makers have a clear understanding of the science underlying their decisions, especially in a time where such information is increasingly complex.”

Enacted in 2018 under then Gov. Rick Snyder, Michigan Farm Bureau, along with dozens of commodity organizations and business groups, supported the creation of the Environmental Science Advisory Board, Environmental Permit Review Commission, and Environmental Rules Review Committee.

MFB’s support for the boards’ existence was and continues to be underpinned by the organization’s beliefs in stakeholder involvement, opportunity for input, and the importance of using sound science in the development of regulation. 

The three bills moving forward in the Michigan Legislature would reverse those efforts. 

Specifically, Senate Bills 393-394, sponsored by Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-Detroit), repeals language governing the Environmental Science Advisory Board and Environmental Permit Review Commission and passed the Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee on a party-line vote of 6-4.

Voting yes: Sens. Moss (D-Southfield), Polehanki (D-Livonia), McCann (D-Kalamazoo), Wojno (D-Warren), Santana (D-Detroit), and Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores). 

Voting no: Sens. Hauck (R-Mt. Pleasant), Webber (R-Rochester Hills), Lauwers (R-Brockway), and Bellino (R-Monroe).

Similarly, House Bill 4826, sponsored by Rep. Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy), removes language governing the Environmental Rules Review Committee and passed the House Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee on a party-line vote of 6-3. 

Voting yes: Reps. Pohutsky (D-Livonia), Hill (D-Marquette), Shannon (D-Sterling Heights), Arbit (D-West Bloomfield), McFall (D-Hazel Park), and Paiz (D-Harper Woods)

Voting no: Reps. Martin (R-Davison), Prestin (R-Cedar River), and Schriver (R-Oxford).

Joining Michigan Farm Bureau in opposition to the legislation are the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Manufacturers Association, and the National Federation of Independent Business among others. 

Those supporting the legislation include the Michigan Environmental Council, Sierra Club, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.