Environment (Coastal & Flood Protection)

in committee · Michigan · House Jul 1, 2026

HB 6143: Natural resources: Great Lakes; regulations regarding crib docks in the Les Cheneaux Islands; prohibit Amends 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.101 - 324.90106) by adding secs. 32509a & 32509b & provides for a referendum.

This bill proposes changes to Michigan's natural resources laws to allow for the construction of traditional timber crib docks and boathouses in the Les Cheneaux Islands, provided they are built from natural wood and stone and approved by local zoning authorities. Under the new rules, permits would be granted only if these structures do not extend beyond the owner's shoreline or create navigational hazards, while also requiring the state to reject denials based on generalized environmental assumptions without specific evidence. The legislation includes a mandatory referendum in Clark Township, meaning the changes will only take effect if a majority of voters in that area approve them at an upcoming election.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill permits construction of docks and boathouses, potentially weakening environmental protections by allowing structures in the Great Lakes that could impact waterways and habitats.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Forestry

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 29, 2026

HR 297: A resolution to urge the Michigan congressional delegation to support the passage of H.R. 7459, a bill to create a Coastal Storm Risk Management Trust Fund that would reserve funds for coastal management projects, including beach nourishment.

This resolution asks Michigan's representatives in Congress to support H.R. 7459, a bill designed to create a federal Coastal Storm Risk Management Trust Fund. The proposed fund would provide permanent money for coastal projects, such as beach nourishment, to help manage erosion along the Great Lakes. By encouraging the delegation to back this legislation, the bill aims to ensure a steady source of funding for protecting shorelines and public property. It does not directly allocate money itself but serves as a formal request to influence the congressional delegation's stance on the funding bill.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill urges support for a federal trust fund to provide permanent funding for coastal management and erosion control projects.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill urges support for a fund to protect shorelines and manage coastal erosion, directly advancing environmental conservation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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in committee · Michigan · House May 14, 2026

HB 5583: Land use: zoning and growth management; setback requirement greater than 25 feet; prohibit. Amends 2006 PA 110 (MCL 125.3101 - 125.3702) by adding sec. 205c.

HB 5583 would limit local zoning rules in metro areas by prohibiting minimum setbacks for homes or outbuildings that exceed 15 feet from the front property line or 5 feet from rear/side lines. It allows up to 25 feet of setback only near specific environmental features: wetlands, lakes/streams, or the Great Lakes shoreline as defined by state law. The bill applies to all local governments located within or adjacent to a federally designated metropolitan statistical area. This change aims to simplify zoning for residential development in urban and suburban regions while maintaining environmental protections.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill reduces minimum setback requirements (to 15 ft front, 5 ft rear/side) except near environmental features, weakening buffer protections for most development.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingReduces zoning barriers for housing development in metro areas, enabling denser construction and increasing housing supply - key to affordability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Land Use Property Development Zoning

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passed both · Michigan · House Jun 10, 2026

HB 5536: Natural resources: wetlands; definition of wetland; update. Amends secs. 30301, 30307 & 30308 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.30301 et seq.).

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExpands wetland definition to include Great Lakes areas, endangered species habitats, and rare wetlands, requiring environmental reviews and strengthening protections under the Natural Resources Act.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Wildlife

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passed both · Michigan · House Jul 29, 2026

HB 5485: Natural resources: inland lakes; dam safety regulations; provide for. Amends secs. 31502, 31503, 31504, 31505, 31506, 31507, 31508, 31509, 31510, 31511, 31513, 31515, 31516, 31517, 31518, 31520, 31521 & 31523 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.31502 et seq.) & adds secs. 31506a, 31509a, 31509b, 31517a, 31518a, 31518b, 31518c, 31518d, 31528a & 31528b.

HB 5485 updates Michigan's dam safety regulations for inland lakes by revising definitions and adding new sections to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. The bill directly affects dam owners, operators, and the state agency responsible for dam safety oversight. Key changes include updated terms like "spillway capacity" and "emergency action plan," alongside new regulatory sections (e.g., 31506a, 31509a) to modernize safety standards. These amendments clarify requirements for dam maintenance, flood management, and structural integrity without altering existing enforcement procedures.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentUpdates dam safety regulations to modernize standards, clarifying requirements for natural resource protection and preventing environmental hazards from dam failures.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Jun 25, 2025

SB 441: Environmental protection: sewage; municipal stormwater utilities; provide for, and authorize fee. Creates new act.

SB 441 establishes a legal framework for local governments (cities, towns, counties) in Michigan to create stormwater management utilities. It requires these entities to adopt a stormwater management plan and a fee ordinance, with fees based on property characteristics to cover costs for flood control and water quality systems. The bill mandates public hearings before plan adoption, outlines fee calculation methods using engineering standards, and includes processes for property owners to request fee reductions or appeal charges. It directly affects property owners who may pay the new fees and local governments responsible for implementing the system.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates mandatory stormwater management utilities with funding mechanisms for flood control and water quality systems, directly advancing environmental protection through sewage management and pollution control.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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passed · Michigan · Senate Apr 21, 2026

SB 553: Economic development: tax increment financing; water resource improvement authorities; modify. Amends secs. 703, 705 & 710 of 2018 PA 57 (MCL 125.4703 et seq.).

SB 553 amends Michigan's tax increment financing (TIF) law to allow municipalities to fund water resource improvements using TIF revenues. It specifically adds projects like lake management, shoreline protection, stormwater systems, invasive species control, and public access to inland lakes or rivers to the list of eligible TIF activities. Municipalities can now create authorities within designated "water resource improvement districts" (areas near lakes, rivers, or harbors) to finance these projects through captured tax revenues. The bill clarifies definitions for terms like "water resource improvement" and "water resource improvement district" to ensure TIF funds are properly applied to environmental and public access enhancements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands TIF use to fund water resource infrastructure, enabling local spending on essential public projects via existing tax increment revenues.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly funds water resource projects including shoreline protection, invasive species control, and stormwater systems via TIF, advancing environmental conservation and pollution control.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality Tags Economic Development

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in committee · Michigan · House Oct 23, 2025

HB 5103: Natural resources: shorelands; temporary erosion control structures; authorize without permit during high water levels. Amends secs. 32312, 32312a & 32510 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.32312 et seq.) & adds sec. 32510a.

HB 5103 allows property owners along the Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and St. Clair) to install temporary erosion control barriers without a permit, using specific materials like biodegradable sandbags or approved synthetic textiles. It requires owners to file a notice with local authorities before installation and ensures barriers don’t block shoreline access or harm dunes. The bill exempts these temporary structures from standard permitting rules, while still requiring compliance with local ordinances and material restrictions. This directly affects homeowners and property owners managing erosion near Great Lakes shorelines.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enables eco-friendly erosion control (biodegradable materials) along Great Lakes shorelines, exempting from permits while requiring safeguards to protect dunes and access, aligning with conservation goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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in committee · Michigan · House May 7, 2025

HB 4460: Environmental protection: funding; clean Michigan 2 initiative funds; provide for distribution and allocation. Amends 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.101 - 324.90106) by adding pt. 198. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4459'25

House Bill 4460 establishes the "Clean Michigan 2 Initiative Implementation" within the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. This bill creates the Clean Michigan 2 Initiative Bond Fund and authorizes the state to issue bonds to finance various environmental and water infrastructure projects. The bond proceeds are specifically allocated for purposes such as cleanup and redevelopment, municipal landfill grants, brownfield redevelopment, water infrastructure improvements, and remediation of contaminated lake and river sediments. These funds will support projects that enhance water safety, provide access to clean and safe water, improve flood resilience, and address environmental contamination across the state.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates Clean Michigan 2 Initiative Bond Fund to finance environmental cleanup, water infrastructure, and remediation projects through bond issuance, directly funding environmental protection as stated in title and subjects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Hazardous Materials Waste Management

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Oct 14, 2025

SR 79: A resolution to recognize October 19-26, 2025, as Microplastics Awareness Week.

This resolution designates October 19-26, 2025, as Microplastics Awareness Week in Michigan. It symbolically recognizes the environmental and health concerns related to microplastics in the state's waterways, lakes, and Great Lakes shoreline, without creating new laws or regulations. The resolution encourages Michiganders to learn about microplastics and take actions like reducing single-use plastics and participating in cleanups. It does not directly affect any specific group or impose policy changes.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentResolution designates Microplastics Awareness Week, encourages pollution-reducing actions like reducing single-use plastics, and symbolically recognizes environmental concerns without new regulations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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