Legislation to change the way we regulate Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (SB 528-533) are scheduled for votes this week in the Senate Committee. The bills as proposed will shift some costs for cleanups from tanks owners and operators to the general public. The bills also will limit the time the state has to review closure reports to 90 days – after which time the tank owner or operator would be responsible for no further work at the site.


Senate

Passed:

On the floor:

SB 778 – A bill to restrict the activities that can occur at a road ending, including prohibit any activity that obstructed ingress to or egress from an inland lake or stream.

SB 187 – A bill to establish fund-raising registration specialty plate for ducks unlimited.

SB 27 – a bill to transfer regulation of private cervidae producers from the Department of Natural Resources to the Department of Agriculture.

In Committee:

Energy and Technology will meet on Tuesday (12/6) at 1:00 pm for a discussion and likely action on funding for emergency heating assistance formerly provided through LIEEF (Low Income and Energy Efficiency Fund), and to take up:

• SB 864 – A bill to modify certain reports by the public service commission and shut-off provisions implemented by public utilities.

Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes will meet on Thursday (12/8) at 9:30 am to vote out:

• SB 528-533 – Bills to modify the liability and cleanup procedures for underground storage tanks. These bills place limits on leaking tank owners liability for natural resource damages, has an industry controlled panel resolve any disputes over cleanups and limit the role of state government in ensuring cleanup standards are met.

Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes will hold a joint meeting with Appropriations: Natural Resources on Tuesday (12/6) at 4:00 pm for testimony on cormorant control efforts in Michigan.

House

Passed:

HB 4845 – A bill to modify certain regulations as they pertain to operation of motorboat.

HB 4846 – A bill to revise certain requirements as they pertain to vessels operated without required marine safety equipment, revise the definition of passenger, and allow peace officer to issue citation to owner or operator, and require observer when vessel is towing a person.

HB 4847 – A bill regarding the identification and lighting requirements for barges; enact and provide penalties and remedies.

HB 4848 – A bill to prohibit fleeing and eluding police or conservation officer while operating a vessel.

HB 5109 – A bill to clarify the requirement for persons riding on or being towed behind a personal watercraft to wear certain personal flotation devices.

HB 5110 – A bill to clarify the criteria for investigatory stops of moving vessels.

HB 4754 – A bill to prohibit the sale of certain state-owned rail lines in the Traverse City area.

SB 556 – A bill to create the Michigan business development program.

SBs 566-68, 644 – Bill to create and provide for a community revitalization program and provide for funding through the 21st century jobs trust fund for this new brownfield replacement program.

HB 4561 – A bill to limit regulations regarding the construction code to eliminate the authority to incorporate provisions of a code, standard, or other material by reference and to change the provision that requires The LARA director (or a person designated by the director) is required to add, amend, and rescind rules to update the code not less than once every three years to not less than every six years (even though national codes are updated usually on a three-year cycle).

HB 4029-31 – Bills that would allow a change in the manner road commissions were elected into office.

HB 5125-6 – Bills to require powers and duties of county road commissioners to be exercised by the county board of commissioners.

On the floor:

HB 4207 – A bill to prohibit the burning of certain items in backyard burn barrels, such as that contains plastic, rubber, foam, chemically treated wood, textiles, electronics, chemicals, or hazardous materials.

SB 508 –510, HB 4826-4828 - Bills to create an advisory committee to recommend actions address nonnative species and federal ballast water standards.

HB 4162 – A bill to exempt signs less than 40 square feet from highway sign regulation.

HB 4917 – A bill to revise the requirements for transporting crossbows.

HB 4025 – A bill to modify sales tax distribution of certain revenue from aviation fuel to be earmarked into the state aeronautics fund.

HB 4521 - A bill to modify distribution of the sales tax on gasoline into the Michigan transportation fund.

HB 4133 – A bill to provide for water quality alliances

In Committee:

Agriculture will meet on Wednesday (12/7) at 9:00 am to take up:

• HB 5130 – A bill that significantly modifies food services laws and regulations.
• SB 725 – A bill to extend qualified agricultural property tax breaks including property employing wildlife risk mitigation practices.

Appropriations: Environmental Quality will meet on Thursday (12/8) at 10:30 am for presentations on:

• Overview of Air Quality Programs
  
• Renewable Operating Permits (ROP)
  
• Permit to Install (PTI)
  
• Impending New EPA Regulations

Energy and Technology will meet on Tuesday (12/6) at 9:00 am

Natural Resources, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation will meet on Tuesday (12/6) at 9:00 am to take up:

• SB 248 – A bill to place a cap on the amount of land the state can own – place restriction on further purchases.
• SCR 20 - A concurrent resolution to memorialize the United States Congress to enact legislation that classifies forestry management activities as nonpoint sources under the federal Clean Water Act.
• SCR 21 - A concurrent resolution to urge Congress and the United States Forest Service to take immediate and aggressive action to correct the mismanagement of national forestlands.

Testimony only:

HB 4925 – Extend to the entire state the ability of counties to authorize off-road vehicles on road shoulders and eliminate sunset.

Submitted by:
James Clift, Policy Director
Michigan Environmental Council