Environment

in committee · Michigan · House Jul 14, 2026

HB 6159: Environmental protection: recycling and waste utilization; recycling of single-use and rechargeable batteries; provide for. Amends 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.101 - 324.90106) by adding secs. 17121 & 17161 to subpt. 2 of pt. 171. TIE BAR WITH: HB 6160'26

This bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to establish a formal framework for the recycling and end-of-life management of single-use and rechargeable batteries. It creates new legal definitions for key terms such as "covered battery," "producer," and "stewardship organization" to clarify which products and companies are subject to the new regulations. The legislation outlines requirements for producers to participate in battery recycling programs that meet specific collection and recycling efficiency goals. Additionally, it defines the roles and responsibilities of battery recyclers and collection sites to ensure proper handling of batteries sold or distributed in the state.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes a legal framework for battery recycling and waste management, directly advancing environmental protection and resource conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 1038: Environmental protection: pollution prevention; bulk storage regulations; provide for. Amends 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.101 - 324.90106) by adding secs. 5525a & 5525b.

Senate Bill 1038 updates Michigan's environmental laws to impose stricter regulations on facilities that store, handle, or process bulk solid materials like coal and coke. The bill requires these facilities to obtain an annual certificate of operation, install real-time air quality monitors around their perimeters, and maintain detailed logs of equipment maintenance and dust control activities. Key operational changes include mandating enclosed storage for piles, limiting outdoor pile heights, enforcing vehicle cleaning and wheel washing, and requiring weather stations to monitor wind conditions for effective dust suppression. Additionally, the bill directs the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to issue compliance orders within 45 days of enactment, setting a schedule for full implementation of these new standards.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill imposes stricter regulations on coal and coke storage, limiting outdoor pile heights and mandating enclosed storage, which restricts traditional energy infrastructure operations.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill imposes stricter regulations on bulk storage facilities, requiring air quality monitors, enclosed storage, and pollution prevention measures to reduce emissions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coal Air Quality

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in committee · Michigan · House Jun 30, 2026

HB 6138: Businesses: other; data center water usage requirements; provide for. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 6135'26, HB 6140'26, HB 6141'26, HB 6137'26, HB 6142'26, HB 6139'26

This Michigan bill establishes the Data Center Water Regulation Act, which requires new and existing data centers to either use a closed-loop cooling system that recirculates water or source all water exclusively from municipal systems. Facilities that currently rely on groundwater or surface water must immediately stop operations once the law takes effect, while those violating the rules face civil fines of up to $1 million per day. The legislation also grants the Michigan Public Service Commission the authority to create specific rules for implementation and mandates that collected fines be deposited into the state's general fund.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates closed-loop cooling or municipal water for data centers, protecting groundwater and reducing water waste.90% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill restricts data center operations by mandating specific water sourcing or cooling systems, limiting infrastructure expansion and imposing heavy fines.95% confidence

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Aug 26, 2026

SB 1046: Water supply: conservation; permit for water used for consumptive use purposes; provide for. Amends secs. 32705, 32708a, 32713 & 32723 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.32705 et seq.) & adds sec. 32723a.

This bill updates Michigan's water laws to streamline the registration process for large-scale water withdrawals while introducing new requirements for water conservation and reporting. It primarily affects property owners, agricultural operators, and industrial facilities that plan to extract significant amounts of water, requiring them to register their intended capacity before beginning operations. The legislation mandates that the state develop and post generic water conservation measures for different sectors, with specific rules for agriculture and data centers, and requires facilities permitted under new provisions to submit annual reports on wastewater usage and pollutant levels. Additionally, the bill clarifies exemptions for smaller residential wells and test wells, while establishing a timeline for property owners to develop their water capacity after registration or face invalidation of their application.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates water conservation measures and reporting for large withdrawals, directly protecting natural resources.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · Michigan · House Jun 30, 2026

HB 6142: Businesses: other; requirements for data center decommissioning, dismantling, and remediation; provide for. Amends 1939 PA 3 (MCL 460.1 - 460.11) by adding sec. 10jj. TIE BAR WITH: HB 6135'26, HB 6140'26, HB 6141'26, HB 6137'26, HB 6138'26, HB 6139'26

This bill requires data center operators in Michigan to submit a decommissioning plan to the Public Service Commission before receiving approval for rates or contracts with electric utilities. The plan must include financial assurance, such as a performance bond or escrow account, to cover the estimated costs of dismantling the facility and restoring the land to its pre-construction condition. The commission will review these financial guarantees every three years to ensure sufficient funds are available for cleanup when the data center is eventually closed. This legislation directly affects businesses operating data centers and the utility companies that serve them. The bill is part of a larger package of related measures that must all be enacted to take effect.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates financial assurance for data center decommissioning and land restoration, directly protecting natural resources and preventing environmental degradation.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates financial assurance for data center decommissioning, protecting infrastructure and land restoration, which supports responsible technology deployment and environmental sustainability.85% confidence

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in committee · Michigan · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 6041: Energy: alternative sources; community solar facilities; provide for establishment of. Amends 2008 PA 295 (MCL 460.1001 - 460.1232) by adding pt. 7a.

This bill establishes a new community solar program in Michigan, allowing residents to subscribe to local solar projects and receive credits on their electricity bills. It defines specific terms for these facilities and subscribers, while also categorizing certain areas as "environmental justice communities" based on factors like low-income populations and existing pollution. The legislation requires the state energy commission to create rules that facilitate the creation and financing of these solar projects, prioritizing those that benefit environmental justice communities. Additionally, the bill mandates simple, one-page disclosure forms for all subscription contracts to ensure customers clearly understand the terms before signing.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes community solar programs and defines environmental justice areas, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and consumer access.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes clean energy via community solar and explicitly defines environmental justice communities to advance environmental equity.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Environmental Justice

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in committee · Michigan · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 6124: Energy: alternative sources; bidding requirements; update. Amends sec. 28 of 2008 PA 295 (MCL 460.1028).

This bill updates Michigan's renewable energy requirements for electric providers, setting specific portfolio goals of 15% by 2029, 50% between 2030 and 2034, and 60% starting in 2035. It allows certain cooperatives and multistate providers to lower their targets if they already generate significant clean energy within the state or have existing nuclear contracts. The legislation also introduces financial incentives for providers entering new renewable energy contracts with non-affiliated entities and permits a small portion of energy savings credits to count toward renewable goals. Additionally, it clarifies rules for purchasing renewable energy credits, limiting such purchases to 5% of the total annual requirement and banning their use after 2035.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill sets renewable energy portfolio standards and provides incentives for clean energy contracts.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill sets renewable energy portfolio goals and promotes clean energy adoption, directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

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passed · Michigan · House Jun 25, 2026

HCR 8: A concurrent resolution to approve an extension of the state of energy emergency declared on April 2, 2026.

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill extends energy emergency to allow E15 fuel sales, increasing supply options and helping manage rising gas prices.85% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill weakens environmental standards by suspending fuel vapor pressure requirements to increase supply, prioritizing industry over pollution control.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill extends energy emergency to allow E15 fuel sales, increasing fuel supply options and helping manage gas prices for consumers and businesses.75% confidence

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passed · Michigan · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SR 133: A resolution to urge the President of the United States and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to fully honor its commitments to Michigan Rural Energy for America (REAP) participating farmers and to reimburse projects built in good faith under REAP guidance.

This Senate resolution urges the President and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to honor their financial commitments to Michigan farmers who participated in the Rural Energy for America Program. It calls for the reimbursement of projects built in good faith under previous USDA guidance, specifically those involving solar energy that were left incomplete after funding was withdrawn. The bill requests that the administration reverse recent decisions to cancel grants and restore the obligated funds to support these agricultural projects. Additionally, it asks Michigan's congressional delegation to provide a legal basis for the USDA's refusal to execute financial agreements and to examine whether withholding these funds violates federal law.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill urges honoring commitments and reimbursing farmers for solar energy projects, directly supporting renewable energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill urges funding for solar energy projects, promoting clean energy and environmental protection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Tags Agriculture Rural Communities

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passed both · Michigan · Senate Jul 3, 2026

SCR 14: A concurrent resolution to approve an extension of the state of energy emergency declared on April 2, 2026.

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill extends energy emergency to prevent fuel shortages and price spikes, protecting consumers and businesses from supply constraints.75% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill extends an energy emergency to relax fuel regulations, which likely weakens environmental protections and increases pollution potential.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Natural Disasters Tags Emergency Management

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