Environment (Local Government)

This bill prohibits local governments in Michigan, such as cities and counties, from creating or enforcing taxes and regulations based on carbon emissions, energy consumption, or vehicle miles traveled. It defines these restricted measures broadly to include fees on greenhouse gases, specific fuel types, and mandatory emissions trading programs. If passed, any existing local rules violating these restrictions would become invalid, and local entities would be barred from using public funds to defend such policies in court. The legislation also allows individuals to sue to stop the implementation of these prohibited local measures and grants them the right to recover legal fees if they win the case.

SB 275 creates a new act to prohibit local governments in Michigan from imposing bans on the use of natural gas. It also prevents counties, cities, villages, and townships from prohibiting the installation of natural gas infrastructure within their jurisdictions. Any local ordinance, resolution, or policy adopted by a municipality on or after the bill's effective date that violates these provisions would be deemed void and unenforceable. This bill directly affects local governments and their ability to regulate natural gas use and infrastructure.