Environment

in committee · Michigan · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 5898: Environmental protection: hazardous products; citizen's advisory working group; establish. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5897'26

This bill creates a new Citizen's Advisory Working Group within the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to assist with PFAS contamination efforts. The group will be made up of current or former residents from communities affected by PFAS contamination, and its members will serve without pay but can receive reimbursement for necessary expenses. The group's main duties include advising the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team on community outreach, reviewing existing strategies, and making recommendations to improve public awareness of health risks related to PFAS.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes a working group to assist with PFAS contamination efforts, directly strengthening environmental protection and pollution control.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

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in committee · Michigan · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 950: Natural resources: trust fund; Michigan water trust fund; provide for. Amends 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.101 - 324.90106) by adding pt. 12. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0951'26

This bill creates the Michigan Water Trust Fund to protect the state's water resources and support local communities facing water challenges. It establishes a new board within the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to oversee a grant program that provides funding for water infrastructure, lead service line replacement, and assistance for residents during water emergencies or those relying on private wells. The fund is financed by royalties from the Safe Drinking Water Act and other sources, with spending limited until the principal reaches $800 million to ensure long-term sustainability. A seven-member board, including the department director and six gubernatorial appointees, will review grant applications and manage the program's administration.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates a trust fund to protect water resources, fund infrastructure, and replace lead lines, directly advancing environmental conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

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passed · Michigan · Senate Jul 3, 2026

SB 947: Natural resources: inland lakes; dam safety regulations; provide for. Amends and adds (See bill).

This bill amends the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to update and clarify definitions related to dam safety and inland lakes. It directly affects dam owners, operators, and the state department responsible for regulating these structures by refining terms such as "dam," "failure," and "high hazard potential dam." The legislation adds new sections to the statute to establish clearer standards for what constitutes a dam, how it is classified based on potential risk, and the specific requirements for emergency action plans. By modifying existing legal language, the bill aims to improve consistency in how dam safety regulations are applied and understood.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens environmental regulations by clarifying definitions and establishing clearer safety standards for dams and inland lakes.85% confidence

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SJR H: Environmental protection: pollution prevention; green initiative; provide for. Adds sec. 29 to art. I of the state constitution.

This bill proposes adding a new section to the Michigan state constitution to formally recognize the public's right to a clean environment and to establish the state as a trustee for natural resources. It directly affects all residents by guaranteeing access to clean water, air, soil, and balanced ecosystems while requiring the government to protect these rights fairly for everyone regardless of their background. The key provisions declare that natural resources belong to all people, including future generations, and give citizens the power to directly sue the state if these rights are violated. By embedding these principles into the constitution, the bill creates a permanent legal framework that prioritizes environmental conservation and accountability for state agencies.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill adds constitutional right to clean environment and establishes state as trustee for natural resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality

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passed both · Michigan · House Jul 1, 2026

HB 5938: Environmental protection: permits; revisions of permit applications; limit. Amends sec. 30307 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.30307).

This bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to streamline the permitting process for wetland development and clarify the roles of state and local governments. It requires the state department to post pending applications and public notices online while establishing a 60-day timeline for holding public hearings after receiving a complete permit application. The legislation also grants local units of government the authority to adopt their own wetland ordinances, provided they follow specific rules regarding wetland definitions and permit requirements. Additionally, the bill sets a 90-day deadline for local governments to review applications in areas with local ordinances, after which the application is automatically approved if no decision is made. Finally, it introduces a process allowing permit holders to request changes without restarting the entire application process, limiting the department's ability to add unrelated requirements.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill streamlines wetland permitting to clarify state/local roles and mandates public notice, strengthening environmental oversight and conservation.75% confidence

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in committee · Michigan · House Mar 5, 2026

HB 5664: Environmental protection: air pollution; carbon dioxide capture technology; provide for. Amends secs. 5501, 5530 & 5531 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.5501 et seq.) & adds secs. 5505c, 5505e, 5505g & 5505i. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5665'26, HB 5666'26, HB 5667'26, HB 5668'26, HB 5669'26

This bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to establish definitions and regulatory frameworks for carbon dioxide capture projects and facilities. It creates new categories of facilities (A through F) based on their type and emission status, and adds specific definitions for carbon dioxide capture, carbon dioxide streams, and environmental justice communities. The legislation clarifies what constitutes air pollution and air pollution control equipment, while also defining fee-subject air pollutants and emissions that may be subject to fees. These changes aim to provide clearer language for regulating air quality and carbon capture activities across different types of industrial and energy facilities in the state.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes regulatory frameworks for carbon dioxide capture technology, which reduces emissions and supports clean energy infrastructure development.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes regulatory frameworks for carbon dioxide capture and strengthens environmental protection by defining air pollution control and adding environmental justice considerations.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Environmental Justice

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 818: Environmental protection: landfills; location guidelines for landfills; provide for. Amends sec. 11509 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.11509).

This bill updates Michigan's environmental regulations by establishing clearer guidelines for where landfills can be located and how they must be permitted. It directly affects waste management companies, local health departments, and county officials by requiring specific application fees and engineering plans before new disposal areas can be built. Key provisions include setting different fee amounts for various types of landfills and expansions, allowing permit applications to be resubmitted without additional fees if they are initially incomplete, and prohibiting new landfills from being built within one mile of an existing home. The bill also requires county approval for new type II landfills or municipal solid waste incinerators, ensuring that communities demonstrate other waste disposal options have been exhausted before approving new facilities.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens environmental regulations by establishing clearer landfill location guidelines and permitting requirements, which helps protect natural resources and reduce pollution risks.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Waste Management

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 817: Environmental protection: groundwater contamination; location guidelines for wastewater discharge; provide for. Amends sec. 3112 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3112).

This bill updates Michigan's environmental regulations by clarifying rules for wastewater discharge and adding specific permit requirements for oceangoing vessels. It requires that any waste discharge into state waters must occur at least one mile upstream from the nearest dwelling and mandates that vessels operating in Michigan ports obtain permits demonstrating compliance with federal aquatic nuisance species rules. The legislation also sets strict timelines for the state department to review permit applications and outlines procedures for permit modification, suspension, or revocation if pollution violations occur. Additionally, it establishes fee structures for vessel permits and allows the department to adopt more protective standards than federal rules for preventing aquatic nuisance species in the Great Lakes.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens environmental regulations by clarifying wastewater discharge rules and adding permit requirements for vessels, protecting state waters from contamination.90% confidence

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passed · Michigan · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SR 104: A resolution to urge the President and United States Congress to reverse the Trump Administration’s actions causing skyrocketing energy costs.

This Senate resolution urges the President and Congress to reverse actions from the Trump Administration that the bill's sponsors claim are driving up energy costs. It calls for reinstating renewable energy programs, closing inefficient coal plants, and passing a war powers resolution to end the conflict with Iran, which the bill states has increased fuel prices. The measure directly addresses Michigan residents, farmers, and businesses facing higher energy and fertilizer expenses, and it requests that copies be sent to federal and state leaders.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill urges reversing actions causing high energy costs and calls for reinstating renewable energy programs and closing inefficient coal plants.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill calls for reinstating renewable energy programs and closing inefficient coal plants, which directly supports environmental protection and clean energy initiatives.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Coal Renewable Energy

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 823: Environmental protection: air pollution; petroleum and carbon dioxide pipeline act; exclude carbon capture projects and sequestration projects and provide conditions for pipeline approval. Amends title & secs. 1, 3 & 11 of 1929 PA 16 (MCL 483.1 et seq.) & adds secs. 13 & 15. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0822'26, SB 0824'26, SB 0825'26, SB 0826'26, SB 0827'26

This bill expands Michigan's existing pipeline regulations to include carbon dioxide pipelines while explicitly excluding carbon dioxide capture and sequestration projects from oversight. It requires the Michigan Public Service Commission to approve all new pipelines transporting crude oil, petroleum products, or carbon dioxide substances, with applications needing detailed analysis of public safety, environmental impact, and alternative routes. The legislation grants the commission authority to regulate pipeline construction and operation but exempts private producers and specific carbon dioxide projects from these requirements.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill expands pipeline regulations but explicitly excludes carbon capture and sequestration projects, potentially weakening environmental oversight on emissions and climate mitigation efforts.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality

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