April 30, 2007

Legislation that would place a moratorium on new confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in Michigan was introduced in the Senate and the House (SB 444 & HB 4667).

Negotiations on the budget crisis continue.

SENATE

Introduced:

SB 444 - A bill to establish a five-year moratorium on CAFOs and require the DEQ to investigate and report on animal feeding operations in the state.

SB 439 - A bill to make NREPA subject to election law provisions for use of hunting, fishing, or fur harvester's license application as voter registration application.

SB 440 - A bill to authorize natural resources commission to establish policies for protection of the right to hunt and fish.

SB 441 - A bill to require the DNR to protect the right to hunt and fish.

SB 442 - A bill to require the DNR to protect the right to hunt.

SB 443 - A bill to require the DNR to protect the right to fish.

 

In committee:

Appropriation subcommittees:

Environmental Quality will meet Thursday (5/3) at 1:00 for work on the FY 2007-08 Department of Environmental Quality Budget:

-Air Quality
-Environmental Science & Services
-Remediation & Redevelopment
-Waste & Hazardous Materials
-Public Testimony

Natural Resources will meet Tuesday (5/1) at noon or after session for work on the FY 2007-08 Department of Natural Resources Budget:

- Forest, Mineral, and Fire Management
- Grants
- Public Testimony

Standing committees:

(No relevant meetings scheduled.)

HOUSE

Introduced:

HB 4667 - A bill to establish a five-year moratorium on CAFOs and require the DEQ to investigate and report on animal feeding operations in the state.

HB 4633 – A bill to provide an income tax credit for increases in administrative tipping fees and surcharges (referred to the Committee on Great Lakes and Environment).

HB 4638 - A bill to establish and provide responsibilities for a Great Lakes state park and salvage advisory committee.

HB 4640 - A bill to provide for management of the Great Lakes state park.

In Committee:

Appropriations subcommittees:

Agriculture will meet Wednesday (5/2) at 9:00 to take up HB 4352, a bill to provide for the FY 2007-08 budget.

Discussion of Environmental Stewardship Programs.

Transportation will meet Thursday (5/3) at 10:30 to take up HB 4349 - Department of Transportation budget for fiscal year 2007-2008.
-County Road Association of Michigan
-Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association
-Interdepartmental Grants

Standing committees:

Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources will meet Tuesday (5/1) at 10:30 to take up:

HB 4463 - a bill to require under certain circumstances the issuance of a permit to operate a marina at a public road;

HB 4464 - a bill to clarify the intention of a plat donation of a road, street, or alley terminating at a lake or stream contiguous to a shoreline; and

HB 4597 - a bill to provide for and promote hunting on DNR-controlled land.

Submitted by:
James Clift
Jamie Weitzel
Michigan Environmental Council