Governor signs legislation funding environmental protection and hazardous waste management

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday signed House Bill 5003, which will fund the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) continued efforts to effectively protect Michigan’s environment and natural resources by extending the sunset dates for certain fees collected by EGLE for various water and waste removal applications and services.

“Michigan’s natural resources are our state’s greatest treasures,” said Whitmer. “I’m proud to sign this bill today, which ensures that everyone contributes their fair share when accessing these services. It’s important that Michigan’s critical environmental protection efforts continue to receive the financial support they need to protect our state.”

House Bill 5003 will extend the sunset dates to October 1, 2025, for fees collected for floodplain permit applications, wastewater and storm water operator training and certification, stormwater and surface water discharge, hazardous waste handler user charges, and land and water permit fees. These fees totaled $7.9 million in revenue for EGLE in fiscal year 2020-21. 

House Bill 5003 was sponsored by Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Detroit.