MEC Capitol Update
April 10, 2003

House

The House Great Lakes and Tourism Committee reported HB 4257 on Thursday (3/20) -- that allows the destruction 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 action is expected on Tuesday (4/8).

In opposition are:

Clean Water Action
Central Lake Superior Watershed Partnership
Detroit Audubon Society
Friends of the Looking Glass River
Friends of Stover Creek
Huron Pines RC&D
Izaak Walton League of America, Michigan Division
Lake Michigan Federation
Lone Tree Council
Marquette County Conservation District
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Michigan Environmental Council
Michigan Land Use Institute
Michigan United Conservation Clubs
National Wildlife Federation
Sierra Club
Three Lakes Association
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
Torch Lake Protection Alliance
Watershed Center-Grand Traverse Bay

Senate

The Senate passed (38-0) 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

The Senate is on spring break until April 21, 2003.

House

Appropriations - Natural Resources and Environmental Quality Subcommittee

Tuesday April 8, 2003 at 9:00 am in room 327 of the House Office Building

On the agenda is a FY 2003-2004 MDEQ Budget (HB 4393). The committee will start making decision at this meeting. Among those decisions are 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 9 at 10:30 am in 307 House Office Building

Presentation on West Nile Virus by Dr. Matthew Boulton, State Epidemiologist.

Land Use and Environment Committee
Wednesday, April 9 at 1:30 pm or after session in 326 House Office Building

On the agenda - HB 4284 (Rep. Kolb) Provides for the establishment of joint planning commissions. Joint planning commissions will allow local units of governments to conducting planning over multiple jurisdictions.

HR 36 (Rep. LaJoy) A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to provide assistance to help Michigan combat the infestation from the emerald ash borer.

Great Lakes and Tourism Committee
Wednesday, April 10 at 11:00 am or after session in 308 House Office Building

A presentation by George Zimmerman of Travel Michigan

SB 150 (Sen. J. Allen) Allows colleges and universities to apply for funding for harbor and waterway development projects.

SCR 5 (Sen. P. Birkholz) A concurrent resolution calling for the creation of a Great Lakes Legislative Caucus.

SCR 6 (Sen. G. Van Woerkom) A concurrent resolution to urge the International Joint Commission to maintain its vigilance in opposing diversion of Great Lakes water and to support the prompt resolution of all issues related to the finalization of Annex 2001.

Clerk Phone Number 517-373-7372