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"Everything about the reorganization demonstrates the low priority Director Harding places on protecting public health and involving citizens in MDEQ decision-making, " stated James Clift, Policy Director of the Michigan Environmental Council. The plan includes placing the wetland protection program under the control of the former Chief of the Geological Survey, the administration's main proponent of directional drilling below the Great Lakes. "Ideas like this one do not reflect the public's environmental priorities and undermine the credibility of the department," said Clift. The reorganization comes at a time when core services are being eliminated at an alarming rate. The Engler administration has cut general fund support for the MDEQ from $101 million for fiscal year 2002 (43 PA 2001) to $69 million for the fiscal year starting October 1, a cut of more than 30%. Transferring employees between jobs, and time spent physically reorganizing offices will further limit the ability of employees to do their job. The reorganization will not be implemented until at least September, just months before the Engler administration will turn over control to the next administration. With MDEQ restructuring being mentioned as a priority by some of the leading gubernatorial candidates, environmental groups believe decisions regarding the structure of the department should best be left to the incoming administration. Documents describing the reorganization are available at the links below: MDEQ Memo - PDF MDEQ Organizational Chart - PDF
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