This bill extends Michigan's state of energy emergency from July 1, 2026, to September 16, 2026, to align with a potential federal waiver allowing more flexible gasoline production. The measure directly affects consumers and businesses by aiming to prevent fuel shortages and price spikes that could occur if stricter fuel regulations were reinstated. By keeping the emergency in effect, the state can continue to relax its own fuel requirements while the federal government addresses supply constraints. The resolution takes effect immediately upon July 1, ensuring there is no gap in the emergency declaration.
This bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to exempt the construction and maintenance of certain residential ponds from state permitting requirements. It directly affects homeowners and property owners who wish to build small, noncommercial ponds on residential or agricultural land. The key provision allows for the excavation or construction of ponds under one acre in surface area, provided they are used for residential purposes and meet specific conditions outlined in the legislation. This change removes the need for a permit for these specific residential pond projects, simplifying the process for property owners while maintaining oversight for larger or commercial water structures.
HB 5502 amends Michigan's wetland regulation law (MCL 324.30305) to clarify which activities in wetlands do not require state permits. It specifically allows farming, ranching, and agricultural drainage activities without permits, but only if they are part of an "established ongoing operation" (not new conversion of wetlands to farmland). The bill also adds detailed rules for minor drainage, farm roads, and utility line installation (e.g., directional drilling must keep lines at least 4 feet below soil). These changes directly affect farmers, landowners, and developers working in wetlands across Michigan.
This bill extends the state of energy emergency in Michigan by an additional 77 days, effective July 1, 2026. The measure allows the sale of E15 fuel in several counties where current regulations previously restricted it to lower vapor pressure gasoline. By suspending these fuel requirements, the extension aims to increase fuel supply options and help manage rising gas prices for consumers and businesses. The resolution requires approval from both the House and Senate before being sent to the Governor.
HB 5501 allows developers to relocate wetlands within the same development project instead of creating new wetlands or restoring existing ones, directly affecting construction and land development permit applicants. The bill establishes a 1:1 wetland replacement ratio for in-parcel relocations when ecological functions are maintained or improved, while reducing the preference for on-site mitigation. It also introduces flexibility in mitigation ratios when using wetland bank credits and requires the Department of Natural Resources to develop guidelines for on-site mitigation planning. These changes aim to streamline permitting while maintaining wetland resource protection under Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.
HB 4949 modifies Michigan law to protect sport shooting ranges from liability related to noise. It exempts ranges that follow "generally accepted operation practices" from civil lawsuits or nuisance claims about noise pollution, even if the range later adds safety upgrades, expands, or updates. The bill also prevents local noise ordinances from applying to these ranges, ensuring they can operate under their original compliance standards. This directly affects range owners and operators by shielding them from noise-related legal challenges and allowing existing ranges to continue operating under pre-existing rules, even if new local ordinances conflict.
House Bill 4445 proposes to allow individuals to use bait for hunting deer in Michigan during the open deer seasons. It amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by introducing a specific definition for "deer or elk baiting," which refers to depositing feed to aid in taking these animals. The bill also eliminates the requirement for the Natural Resources Commission to issue orders regulating general deer and elk feeding, and removes the associated definition from state law. This change would explicitly permit deer baiting for hunting while removing state-level regulation over general deer and elk feeding.
HB 4486 prohibits Michigan municipalities from banning natural gas use or the installation of natural gas infrastructure, directly affecting cities, towns, counties, and townships. The bill makes any local ordinance, resolution, or policy that restricts natural gas use or infrastructure void and unenforceable starting from its effective date. It specifically targets bans on residential, commercial, or industrial natural gas applications and related infrastructure like pipelines. This legislation ensures that local governments cannot block natural gas services or new installations within their jurisdictions.
SB 689 amends Michigan's farmland preservation law to expand when landowners can give up (relinquish) farmland from development rights agreements. It adds two new scenarios: 1) land with pre-existing structures (up to 5 acres), and 2) land for a farm operator's residence (up to 2 acres), both requiring approval from local government and the state land use agency. If relinquishment occurs, landowners must repay tax credits received under the agreement, plus interest, via a lien recorded against the property. This directly affects farmers with existing farmland preservation agreements who wish to develop or use portions of their land for specific purposes.
House Resolution 91 is a resolution expressing support for President Trump’s policies aimed at increasing the nation’s energy infrastructure and security. The resolution specifically highlights how these policies have facilitated emergency permitting for the Enbridge Line 5 tunnel project, intended to replace an existing pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac.
