Senate approves Birkholzs legislation to keep wetlands protection program in Michigan
Thursday, September 24, 2009
LANSING—The state Senate today approved legislation that will keep Michigan’s wetlands protection program under state control instead of the federal government, said Sen. Patty Birkholz, sponsor of the measure.
“Michigan needs more certainty in controlling our wetlands program and certainty in regulations that help our economic development community,” said Birkholz, R-Saugatuck Township. “The wetlands legislation will allow Michigan to control its own fate. By keeping it in Michigan, we can control spending and develop a more efficient and effective state program.”
Senate Bill 785 will reform the state’s wetlands protection program to maintain its operation under the state’s control through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The measure will lighten the DEQ’s workload by streamlining the permitting process and relying more on the use of general and minor permits instead of individual permits.
A key benefit of the Birkholz plan is that the state can retain its multi-part integrated permitting system.
The legislation would also:
- Adopt many of the federal guidelines and standards;
- Develop new opportunities for cranberry farming in Michigan;
- Require the DEQ to work with the Army Corps of Engineers to avoid permit duplication;
- Establish a wetlands advisory council; and
- Include a role for the conservation districts and local units of government in the wetlands program.
“The Senate proposal does not use General Fund dollars or raise fees,” Birkholz said. “It will help provide a transition into an improved, long-term state wetland program that the environmental and regulated community, and most importantly, our residents will support.
The measure is supported by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Manufacturers Association, Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Home Builders, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, Michigan Realtors, Consumers Energy, and Michigan Association of Conservation Districts.
SB 785 will now advance to the state House for consideration.
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