House
The House Great Lakes and Tourism Committee reported HB 4257 on Thursday (3/20) -- that allows the plowing over of emergent coastal wetland by lake front property owners without a permit. The committee rejected compromise legislation offered by the MDEQ. The House did not take up the bill this week, but may take it up next week.
In opposition are:
Michigan United Conservation Clubs
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Detroit Audubon Society
Sierra Club - The Traverse Group
Clean Water Action
Huron Pines RC&D
Izaak Walton League of America, Michigan Division
Lake Michigan Federation
Lone Tree Council
Michigan Environmental Council
Michigan Land Use Institute
Sierra Club, Michigan Chapter
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
Watershed Center-Grand Traverse Bay
Senate Agriculture, Forestry and Tourism Committee reported HB 4010 which would specifically make plants that manufacture biodiesel fuel eligible for tax abatements (some argued the plants were already eligible under the current language).
Coming Up:
Senate
Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee
Tuesday, April 1, at 3:00 p.m. in Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor,
Boji Tower (Formerly Michigan National Tower)
On the agenda is SB 289 - Sen. Birkholz - This bill would regulate water withdrawals from certain aquifers within the State of Michigan. It is a pared down version of legislation introduced last year (SB 1197-1200) to regulate groundwater use in Michigan. MEC is concerned that the bill is too limited in scope and may make preventing future diversions of water from the Great Lakes more difficult.
SB 289 will likely be worked on by the committee for at least one more week.
Committee Clerk Phone Number 517-373-1854
Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee
Tuesday, April 1 at 2:00 PM in Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building
Agenda: FY 2003-04 Budget for the Michigan Dept. of Transportation
Clerk Phone Number 373-2523
Senate Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee
Thursday, April 3 at 1:00 PM in Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building
Agenda: FY 2003-04 Budget for the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture
Clerk Phone Number 373-5932
House
Appropriations - Natural Resources and Environmental Quality Subcommittee
Tuesday April 1, 2003 at 9:00 am in room 327 of the House Office Building
On the agenda is a FY 2003-2004 MDEQ Budget. The committee will be discussing the Governor's various fee proposals to make up for the 26% reduction in general fund support for the department, including the proposed $6.9 million for water discharge permits.
Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Committee
Wednesday, April 2 at 10:30 am in 307 House Office Building
On the agenda is HB 4011 (DeRossett) That would repeal the Sunday hunting ban in Washtenaw County.
Land Use and Environment Committee
Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday (4/2) at 2 pm or after session in 326 House Office Building
On the agenda - HB 4284 (Rep. Kolb) Provides for the establishment of joint planning commissions (Hearing Only). Joint planning commissions will allow local units of governments to conducting planning over multiple jurisdictions.
PRESENTATION ON ARSENIC IN GROUNDWATER
Clerk Phone Number 517-373-7372
Submitted by:
James Clift
Conan Smith
Michigan Environmental Council
119 Pere Marquette, Ste 2A
Lansing, MI 48912
(517) 487-9539