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 clarify the deadline by which the Department of Environmental Quality must request changes to wetland permit applications. Specifically, it states that the department cannot require changes to an application after a site visit occurs once the application has been deemed administratively complete. The legislation also outlines specific application fees based on project size and type, ranging from $50 for general permits to $2,000 for major projects like filling large wetlands or building new golf courses. Additionally, the bill provides for fee refunds if a permit is denied or found unnecessary and allows for conditional permits in emergency situations to protect public safety. These changes directly affect individuals and organizations seeking permits to develop or use wetlands in the state.
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 5536 updates Michigan's legal definition of "wetland" under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. It expands the definition to include features that are contiguous to the Great Lakes, over 5 acres in size, contain endangered species, or are designated as rare wetland types (like Great Lakes marshes or coastal fens). This change directly affects landowners, developers, and conservation groups by altering which areas require environmental review or mitigation for development. The bill also clarifies terms like "altered wetland" and "voluntary restoration projects" to guide land management practices.
HB 5557 amends Michigan's environmental law to require the state environmental agency to use the longest time period permitted under the federal Clean Air Act when calculating pollution emissions data for the state's inventory. This change directly affects the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, which collects emissions data from businesses and industries. The bill specifically adds a requirement that the department must use the longest federal time period authorized for emissions rate calculations, aligning state reporting with federal standards. This adjustment aims to improve the accuracy and consistency of Michigan's air pollution data.
HB 4192 updates the requirements for obtaining permits to discharge pollutants into groundwater. It directly affects businesses, industries, or facilities that discharge wastewater or pollutants into groundwater sources, such as manufacturing plants or wastewater treatment systems. The bill modifies existing permit rules under Michigan law to clarify or adjust the application and compliance standards for these discharges. This change aims to streamline or strengthen oversight of groundwater protection without altering the fundamental permit framework. The legislation passed the Michigan House on June 12, 2025, with 65 votes in favor.
HB 4695 amends Michigan's Recreational Authorities Act to update key definitions and rename the law as the "Recreational Authorities and Natural Resources Authority Act." It specifically revises Section 3 to clarify terms like "public forest and natural resources area" (expanding permitted uses to include forestry management and cultural preservation) and "public historic farm" (defining agricultural/historical programs). The bill directly affects recreational authorities, their participating municipalities, and local governments managing parks, natural areas, and historic sites. These changes standardize terminology and broaden the scope of allowable uses for authority-managed lands without creating new funding or regulatory requirements.
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.
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.
SB 688 updates Michigan's farmland protection law by amending provisions related to development rights agreements for farmland. It specifically adds a requirement that the state must subordinate its interest in these agreements to a mortgage lien if the landowner is "an individual essential to the operation of the farm" (as defined in existing law) and the parcel meets certain criteria. This change directly affects farmers seeking mortgages on land protected by such agreements. The bill does not alter the minimum 10-year or maximum 90-year term for agreements but clarifies when mortgage claims take priority over the state's easement interest.
