Capitol News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a series of bipartisan bills aimed at protecting Michigan’s environment and supporting clean water, air, and land throughout the state. The legislative package also includes measures to lower costs for Michigan National Guard members and reduce administrative hurdles for local governments.

According to Governor Whitmer, “Since I took office, I’ve been committed to protecting Michigan’s environment, ensuring generations of Michiganders can explore and enjoy all our state has to offer. That’s why I’m proud to sign these seven bills into law so our departments have enough funding and support to continue programs that protect Michigan’s water, air, and land. Whether it’s maintaining a supply of clean drinking water or creating new trails in our parks, I’ll keep working with anyone to protect and defend our environment. Together, let’s get it done.”

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II emphasized the importance of conserving natural resources: “We must all work hard to protect the natural resources we are blessed to steward. These bills will ensure Michigan can continue to conserve natural resources and protect water, air, and land across our state. We’re also making a difference for the National Guard members who step up for our state each and every day. Let’s keep working together to build a bright future for Michigan families.”

House Bill 4962 creates a benefit fund for Michigan National Guard members that will help cover childcare, health care, and tuition expenses. However, this bill will not take effect immediately because related legislation has yet to be passed by the legislature.

House Bill 4392 allocates $41.8 million from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for 85 projects statewide. These projects focus on conserving natural resources as well as developing land for public recreation and accessibility—such as protecting wildlife habitats, constructing new trails, and upgrading parks.

Senate Bill 273 extends water quality protection fees through fiscal year 2029 instead of allowing them to expire in 2025. The revenue from these fees supports environmental conservation efforts managed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Senate Bill 574 amends how tobacco settlement funds are allocated in order to increase the Michigan Merit Award Trust Fund; this supports scholarships as well as tuition assistance programs including those for nursing students.

Senate Bill 577 extends the authority of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to collect fees for training people who operate public water systems across Michigan. The approximately $600,000 generated annually from these fees helps fund training programs as well as emergency responses related to drinking water threats.

Senate Bill 579 allows continued collection of certain environmental fees paid when applying for permits near bodies of water or dealing with hazardous waste or wastewater systems. This generates about $7.6 million per year that is directed toward environmental protection initiatives.

Finally, Senate Bill 565 allows unused money in the Local Government Reimbursement Fund to be transferred into the General Fund.

With today’s action included, Governor Whitmer has now signed a total of 1,531 bipartisan bills into law since taking office.