MEC Capitol
Update
March 11, 2002
Directional
Drilling
HB 5118
was passed by the Senate on February 13, 2002 on a vote of
28-5. However, the bill is still sitting on the House calendar
awaiting action. The Senate changes need to be concurred in
by the House. The sponsor, Rep. Scott Shackleton supports
the changes so no problems are anticipated. The bill will
then go to the Governor for signing, which he has stated that
he will do despite his continued opposition to the ban.
$1
Billion Bond for Sewer Infrastructure Improvements
Packages
have not been announced in the House and Senate that would
place a $1 billion bond on the November 2002 ballot for sewer
infrastructure improvements. Rep. Patterson has introduced
HB 4625 that would authorize $1 billion for sewer infrastructure
improvements. The House Commerce Committee has begun a series
of meetings on the bill and we expect it to move before spring.
Sen. Sikkema announced the Senate package this week.
MEC will
be suggesting that the package include a recommendation of
the Great Lakes Conservation Task Force to require growth
management plans before a community could access those funds
and that a statewide septic inspection program at time of
sale be included.
Medical
Waste Incineration - SB 11 - Senate
The Senate
Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee passed
out SB 11 that will place a moratorium on new medial waste
incinerators in Michigan while the MDEQ studies the environmental
impacts of various disposal methods. The bill will also require
the currently operating incinerator to use the best available
control technology to control emissions.
Scrap
Tire Regulation - HB 5380 - Senate Natural Resources and Environmental
Affairs - (3/12, 1:30 pm)
This legislation
will update regulation regarding the collection and use of
scrap tires. The latest substitute maintains bonding for scrap
tires collectors at a level that will help to minimize potential
problems. The legislation also authorizes grants for uses
other than tire-derived fuel.
Ban
of the Sale of Mercury Thermometers - HB 4599 - House of Representative
Legislation
to ban the sale of mercury thermometers was moved into a position
for final passage in the House of Representatives.
Diesel
Tax Package
Decisions
are expected as early as this week on a package of bills designed
to raise the diesel tax. MEC is concerned with attempts to
bypass the current distribution formula hurting our efforts
to make sure that mass transit and maintenance are given their
fair share as opposed to funding further expansion of our
road system.
Pesticide
Management - SB 989 - House Appropriation Committee - (3/14,
8 am)
This bill
revamps provisions regarding the registration and use of pesticides.
There is some concern with definition of inert ingredient,
integrated pest management and the review of potential health
impacts.
2002
Budget Priorities
Department
of Environmental Quality – SB 1104 - Senate Appropriations
Committee - (3/12) or (3/13)
General
fund support for the MDEQ budget has been reduced by $26 million
(26%). Amendments were adopted in subcommittee that would
require the department to do a report on enforcement efforts
in the previous year, require better tracking of wetland mitigation
projects, and require notice to the legislature if the environmental
response funds drops below $5 million. Early retirement could
continue to hurt this department with as many as 150 people
leaving, many senior management staff.
Department
of Natural Resources - SB 1106 - Senate Appropriation Committee
- (3/12) or (3/13)
The Governor
has eliminated general fund support for the Michigan Civilian
Conservation Corp ($1.9 million cut). He has also included
language mandating the marking of timber at unrealistic levels
given the cuts to this department. This department is also
subject to early retirement reductions of up to 150 people
further curtailing their ability to perform basic functions.
The Natural Resources Committee has also raised concern that
the department is failing to pay local units of government
the payments in lieu of taxes required under the law. Historically
local units of governments have received $2/acre per year.
The budget is $500,000 short this year, and $700,000 short
next year. MEC is concerned that this undermines local support
for state-owned recreation lands.
Transportation
- HB 5651 - House Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee
- (3/12, 10:30 am)
The executive
version sets operating at 158,500,000. Support for bus operations
was increase by $6.5 million. The Lansing to Detroit Rail
study is approaching its final phase and MEC will continue
to advocate for the appropriations necessary to complete the
six-year study. .
Agriculture
– HB 5642 - Full Appropriations - (3/11, 1 pm)
Problem
with substantial cuts to Soil Conservation Districts.
Submitted by:
James Clift
Michigan Environmental Council
119 Pere Marquette, Ste 2A
Lansing, MI 48912
(517) 487-9539
jamesmec@voyager.net
