Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

Highlights:

• Prohibits any individual from discharging any waste into the waters of this state unless the individual is in possession of a valid permit from the department (Sec. 3112).

• Specifies that the department shall have the power to modify, suspend, or revoke an individual’s permit if it is determined that the individual has violated the terms set by the permit application (Sec. 3112).

• Authorizes the department to refer to the State Attorney General for legal action if found that after informing an individual of their unlawful pollution and permit violation they continue their waste pollution practices (Sec. 3112).

• Specifies that oceangoing vessels that engage in port operations in this state will be granted a permit from the department only if the permit applicant can demonstrate that their oceangoing vessel complies with the standards of the federal aquatic nuisance rule and ballast water management programs (Sec. 3112).

• Amends Michigan water standards to align with federal water standards to help harmonize regulatory programs in preventing the spread of aquatic nuisance species in the great lakes (Sec. 3112).

Full Bill Text