Environment (Air Quality)

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.

Senate Bill 305 establishes the Air Quality Enforcement and Mitigation (AQEM) fund, directing all civil and administrative fines collected for air pollution violations into this dedicated fund. The bill mandates that 80% of the fund's money be used for an air quality community impact grant program, with the remaining 20% allocated for increased air monitoring in environmental justice communities and program administration. This grant program will provide funding to eligible entities like nonprofits and local governments for projects such as air pollution mitigation, health impact assessments, and community education, prioritizing environmental justice communities. The Department will develop guidelines for these grants in consultation with an advisory committee, which includes public health experts and community residents.