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.
This bill amends the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to update and clarify definitions related to dam safety and inland lakes. It directly affects dam owners, operators, and the state department responsible for regulating these structures by refining terms such as "dam," "failure," and "high hazard potential dam." The legislation adds new sections to the statute to establish clearer standards for what constitutes a dam, how it is classified based on potential risk, and the specific requirements for emergency action plans. By modifying existing legal language, the bill aims to improve consistency in how dam safety regulations are applied and understood.
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.
SB 576 creates an energy efficiency revolving fund within Michigan's state treasury to finance state and local energy efficiency projects. The fund accepts state and federal money (including elective payments under federal law), keeps all money intact year-to-year, and prioritizes projects that reduce carbon emissions. State agencies applying for projects must follow strict rules, including capping administrative costs at 10% of project costs and reporting annual savings. The Department of Energy oversees the fund, coordinates project applications, and requires annual reports detailing funding, agencies, and projected savings. This fund directly supports state and local entities implementing energy-saving upgrades.
SB 395 updates the definition of "carbon dioxide substance" in Michigan's oil and gas law to explicitly include CO₂ used in enhanced oil recovery operations or storage. This affects companies handling CO₂ for oil extraction and the Michigan Public Service Commission, which regulates these activities. The bill clarifies that carbon sequestration wells operating under existing environmental laws (Part 651 of the Natural Resources Act) are excluded from new regulatory requirements. It does not change existing pipeline rights or create new obligations, solely refining definitions for clarity.
SB 246 increases disposal fees for hazardous waste and adjusts limits on certain disposal wells and TENORM (radioactive materials) disposal. It directly affects waste disposal facilities and generators of hazardous waste by changing fee structures under Michigan's environmental code. Key provisions amend specific sections to raise fee limits, update disposal well regulations, and clarify TENORM handling requirements. The bill modifies multiple sections of Michigan's 1994 environmental protection law (PA 451) to modernize waste disposal oversight. (Passed on August 26, 2025, with 19 yeas, 15 nays.)
SB 247 imposes a fee of 0.417 cents per gallon on hazardous waste injected into "class I multisource commercial hazardous waste disposal wells" (special wells serving multiple generators). Owners/operators must pay this fee quarterly, adjusted annually using the Consumer Price Index, and forward revenue to a community fund. Exemptions apply for certain cleanup waste, site cleanups, and specific waste types, requiring written certification from generators. The collected fees fund annual grants to cities and townships hosting these wells, distributed based on the percentage of fees collected from that area.
SB 46 updates regulations for water delivery systems in mobile home parks by amending existing water supply laws (1976 PA 399). The bill directly affects mobile home park owners and residents by requiring these systems to meet specific reliability and safety standards. Key provisions include setting requirements for system maintenance, water quality testing, and emergency response protocols for parks relying on shared water infrastructure. This change ensures consistent, safe water access for mobile home park communities under revised regulatory guidelines.
SB 184 is a supplemental appropriations bill allocating $445.86 million for Michigan state departments, agencies, and branches for fiscal year 2024-2025. It directly affects state agencies and local governments by funding specific programs, including $1 million for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's food safety program and $41.77 million for capital projects. Key provisions include funding land acquisitions for parks and conservation areas across multiple counties (e.g., Lamberts Trail Park in Kent County, Munising Bay Overlook in Alger County). The bill specifies that these funds come primarily from state restricted revenues and special funds, not the general state budget.
SB 181 is a routine appropriations bill that allocates $1.03 billion in funding for Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It provides specific funding levels for department operations, including water resources programs, environmental investigations, and administrative support, with $187.4 million coming from the state general fund. The bill directs how existing state and federal funds, along with revenue from environmental fees and special funds (like the Great Lakes protection fund), will be spent. As a procedural budget measure, it does not create new policy but enables the department to operate within its established responsibilities.
