SB 247 imposes a fee of 0.417 cents per gallon on hazardous waste injected into "class I multisource commercial hazardous waste disposal wells" (special wells serving multiple generators). Owners/operators must pay this fee quarterly, adjusted annually using the Consumer Price Index, and forward revenue to a community fund. Exemptions apply for certain cleanup waste, site cleanups, and specific waste types, requiring written certification from generators. The collected fees fund annual grants to cities and townships hosting these wells, distributed based on the percentage of fees collected from that area.
This bill amends Michigan's water quality protection fee structure for pesticide and fertilizer businesses. It establishes annual fees for pesticide registrations ($270-$367 per product starting 2026) and specialty fertilizer registrations ($100-$136 per brand/product), with fertilizer manufacturers paying fees based on product weight. Fees will increase annually through 2030 and adjust for inflation starting in 2031 using the Detroit Consumer Price Index. The fee system expires December 31, 2025, but provisions for inflation adjustments begin January 1, 2031.
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.
This resolution (HR 178) designates September 20-27, 2025, as "Michigan Trails Week" to celebrate the state's extensive trail system. It recognizes that Michigan's over 13,000 miles of trails support tourism, local businesses, public health, and environmental conservation. The resolution encourages residents and visitors to explore, maintain, and advocate for trails during this week, while directing copies to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funding.
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.
SB 235 creates a corporate income tax credit for businesses that use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It directly affects airlines and fuel producers in Michigan by reducing their state tax liability based on the volume of SAF they utilize. The bill amends Michigan's tax code (MCL 206.1-206.847) to add a specific provision allowing corporations to claim this credit. This provides a financial incentive for adopting SAF, aiming to support cleaner aviation fuel adoption without specifying environmental outcomes.
SB 277 redirects a portion of Michigan's sales tax revenue to the state's Game and Fish Protection Account. It amends existing law (MCL 205.75) to require that specific sales tax funds be deposited directly into this dedicated account instead of general state funds. This ensures consistent, dedicated funding for wildlife conservation and management programs, including habitat protection and fishery restoration. The bill affects state wildlife management efforts by providing a reliable revenue stream without creating new taxes.
HB 4709 prohibits the construction of commercial wind turbines for electricity production in the Great Lakes or their connecting waters, and bans operating any such turbines built in violation of this rule. It directly affects commercial wind energy developers planning projects in these waters, preventing new installations. The bill also states that renewable energy credits cannot be issued for electricity generated by prohibited turbines, and allows the attorney general to seek court injunctions to stop violations. This amendment adds a specific environmental protection measure to Michigan's Clean Energy Act.
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.
SB 686 allows landowners with conservation easements on farmland or open space to relinquish only part of their easement, rather than the entire property, under specific circumstances. This change directly affects farmers and landowners who hold conservation easements on agricultural or open-space land. The bill amends Michigan law (MCL 324.36110) to establish a process for partial relinquishment, streamlining how easements can be modified. It does not alter the overall conservation purpose but provides greater flexibility for landowners managing their property.
