Environment

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.

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 396 updates Michigan's air pollution laws to include specific regulations for carbon sequestration projects. It directly affects companies and organizations that capture and store carbon dioxide underground to reduce emissions. The bill adds new rules requiring safe storage practices, reporting, and oversight for these projects under the existing air pollution control framework. This amends current law to create a clear regulatory path for carbon sequestration as part of the state's air quality management.

SB 394 establishes that landowners in Michigan automatically own the pore space (open spaces in underground rock formations) beneath their property, which can be used for storing substances like carbon dioxide. This means property buyers inherit pore space rights unless the seller explicitly transfers or excludes them in the sale agreement. The bill requires clear language in property transfers to sever pore space rights from surface ownership, protecting existing mineral rights and surface access for oil/gas operations. It does not affect mineral rights or existing agreements but requires Senate Bill 395 to pass simultaneously for full implementation. The bill aims to clarify ownership for future resource storage projects while maintaining current legal frameworks.