This bill extends Michigan's state of energy emergency from July 1, 2026, to September 16, 2026, to align with a potential federal waiver allowing more flexible gasoline production. The measure directly affects consumers and businesses by aiming to prevent fuel shortages and price spikes that could occur if stricter fuel regulations were reinstated. By keeping the emergency in effect, the state can continue to relax its own fuel requirements while the federal government addresses supply constraints. The resolution takes effect immediately upon July 1, ensuring there is no gap in the emergency declaration.
HB 5082 amends Michigan's wetland regulations to streamline how property owners determine if their land contains wetlands. It allows landowners to formally request a wetland assessment from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) by submitting a completed form, legal description, map, and permission to access the property. EGLE must provide a written report within 60 days, detailing wetland locations, required permits, and clarifying that the assessment does not override federal or local regulations. The bill also eliminates fees for these assessments, specifies that agricultural drains or temporary water obstructions don't count as wetlands, and establishes a 3-year binding determination period if EGLE concludes an area is not wetland.
This bill extends the state of energy emergency in Michigan by an additional 77 days, effective July 1, 2026. The measure allows the sale of E15 fuel in several counties where current regulations previously restricted it to lower vapor pressure gasoline. By suspending these fuel requirements, the extension aims to increase fuel supply options and help manage rising gas prices for consumers and businesses. The resolution requires approval from both the House and Senate before being sent to the Governor.
This bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to clarify the deadline by which the Department of Environmental Quality must request changes to wetland permit applications. Specifically, it states that the department cannot require changes to an application after a site visit occurs once the application has been deemed administratively complete. The legislation also outlines specific application fees based on project size and type, ranging from $50 for general permits to $2,000 for major projects like filling large wetlands or building new golf courses. Additionally, the bill provides for fee refunds if a permit is denied or found unnecessary and allows for conditional permits in emergency situations to protect public safety. These changes directly affect individuals and organizations seeking permits to develop or use wetlands in the state.
HB 5536 updates Michigan's legal definition of "wetland" under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. It expands the definition to include features that are contiguous to the Great Lakes, over 5 acres in size, contain endangered species, or are designated as rare wetland types (like Great Lakes marshes or coastal fens). This change directly affects landowners, developers, and conservation groups by altering which areas require environmental review or mitigation for development. The bill also clarifies terms like "altered wetland" and "voluntary restoration projects" to guide land management practices.
HB 5557 amends Michigan's environmental law to require the state environmental agency to use the longest time period permitted under the federal Clean Air Act when calculating pollution emissions data for the state's inventory. This change directly affects the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, which collects emissions data from businesses and industries. The bill specifically adds a requirement that the department must use the longest federal time period authorized for emissions rate calculations, aligning state reporting with federal standards. This adjustment aims to improve the accuracy and consistency of Michigan's air pollution data.
SB 689 amends Michigan's farmland preservation law to expand when landowners can give up (relinquish) farmland from development rights agreements. It adds two new scenarios: 1) land with pre-existing structures (up to 5 acres), and 2) land for a farm operator's residence (up to 2 acres), both requiring approval from local government and the state land use agency. If relinquishment occurs, landowners must repay tax credits received under the agreement, plus interest, via a lien recorded against the property. This directly affects farmers with existing farmland preservation agreements who wish to develop or use portions of their land for specific purposes.
HB 4127 adds a specific definition for "advanced nuclear reactor technologies" to Michigan's energy law. The bill defines these as nuclear reactors with significant safety improvements over pre-2016 U.S. models, including federally defined advanced reactors and existing Michigan nuclear facilities that completed life cycle management. This definition will directly affect the Michigan Public Service Commission and electric utilities when evaluating nuclear energy projects and regulatory approvals. It creates a clear standard for identifying qualifying nuclear technologies under state law, ensuring consistent application of energy regulations.
HB 4007 amends Michigan's Clean and Renewable Energy Act (2008 PA 295) by expanding the definition of "clean energy system" to include natural gas plants using carbon capture and storage (at least 90% effective) and certain existing natural gas facilities that can meet clean energy standards by 2030 through carbon capture and removal technologies. This change directly affects electric providers required to meet the state's clean energy standard, as it broadens the types of energy sources that qualify toward their compliance targets. The bill specifies that carbon capture must permanently store carbon dioxide (excluding enhanced oil recovery), and permits for new facilities may require higher capture rates if deemed necessary under federal standards. This definition update provides additional pathways for natural gas projects to count toward Michigan's clean energy goals.
