MEC Capitol Update
April 1, 2003

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

For more information contact:

Terry Miller, Lone Tree Council (989-686-6386)
Scott McEwen, Tipp of the Mitt (231-347-1181)
James Clift, Michigan Environmental Council (517-487-9539)

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

Contacts for more information:

James Clift, MEC (517) 487-9539)
Noah Hall, NWF (734-769-3351)
Andy Guy, MLUI (616-308-6250)
Cheryl Mendoza, Lake Michigan Federation (616) 203-0754

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

For more information:

Kelly Theyer, MLUI (231-882-4723)
Conan Smith, MEC (517-487-9539)

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

Contact: Anne Woiwode 517-484-2372

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.

Contacts for more information:

Cyndi Roper, Clean Water Action (616-742-4084)
Brian Imus, PIRGIM (734-662-6597)
Lisa Wozniak, League of Conservation Voters Education Fund 734-327-7154

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