Michigan okays 'polluter panels' in blow to environmental efforts across the state
Activists slammed the move, which comes as Flint's water crisis continues.
E.A. CRUNDEN JUN 30, 2018, 1:38 PM
Environmental activists are slamming two controversial bills signed into law Friday by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R), arguing that they will give polluting companies the ability to undermine state environmental guidelines.
The two bills signed by Snyder will allow for oversight of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), which is meant to serve as a watchdog for environmental issues throughout the state.
One law establishes an Environmental Rules Review Committee staffed by governor-appointed voting members representing various sectors including waste management, manufacturing, fossil fuel companies, and agriculture. The committee will oversee the DEQ’s process for establishing rules and presumably wield considerable control over how such efforts proceed.
The second law creates the Environmental Permit Review Commission, which will advise on permits and other applications, to be housed within the DEQ. Both laws have been dubbed “polluter panels” bills based on the leeway they give to industries known for poor environmental practices.
https://thinkprogress.org/michigan-polluter-panels-c487114aa431/
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