February, 2012

HB 5447: Repeal Renewable Energy Standard

HB 5447 repeals the sections of the Clean, Renewable, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2008 that contain the 10% by 2015 renewable energy standard and energy optimization standards for natural gas providers.

SB 646: Restrictions on Waste Permit Eligibility Based on Certain Criminal Violations

Senate Bill 646 updates regulations on waste storage facilities to require disclosure of any criminal violations of environmental statutes for individuals involved in the purchase or operation of waste storage or treatment locations. This particular issue became more relevant in light of the recent permit granted to the deep-injection well in Romulus.

HB 4969 & 4970: Remove Penalty for Conservation of Commercial Forests

HB 4969 & 4970 increase the flexibility of landowners who wish to move between Commercial Forest Program and Qualified Forest Property tax exemptions.

Under the Commercial Forest Program, landowners must follow an approved forestry plan and allow public access for hunting and fishing. In return, landowners receive property tax reductions. With Qualified Forest Property, landowners must follow an approved forestry plan but do not have to allow public access. They are not subject to certain school district taxes, which are compensated by the school aid fund. 

SB 744: Extension of Environmental Permit Processing Period

SB 744 requires a department processing an environmental permit application under NREPA to extend the processing deadline by 120 days at the applicant's request. Currenty, the department has the discretion to issue an extension equal to 20% of the processing time, which varies depending on the purpose of the permit.

Sponsor: Michael Kowall (R - White Lake)
Current Status: Passed the Senate, In House Committee on Regulatory Reform

HB 5334: Create Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses

HB 5334 creates lifetime hunting and fishing licenses. Michigan hunters and anglers can purchase individual lifetime licenses for firearm deer, archery deer, small game, restricted fishing, and all-species fishing. Individual lifetime license fees range from $220 - $285.