The following article describes three bills that the Michigan state legislature introduced between 2021 & 2022 in relation to resource protection, regulation, and environmental regulation.
The Michigan Daily spoke to representatives of student political organizations to discuss how each bill could impact environmental issues in Michigan.
1. Methane Gas Control & Capture Requirements
Status: Referred to Committee on Environmental Quality
On Jan. 19, 2022 State Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Washtenaw County, introduced Senate Bill 823, which would ban oil and gas well operations SitesIf there is no methane capture or control system to reduce methane emission by 99%, oil extraction from the ground is considered to be an oil extraction.
MethaneEmissions occur at all stages of oil drilling and production. They are often intentionally released by flaring or burning natural gases produced during oil and gas extraction. Additionally,WasteFlaring, which is the process of releasing natural gas into the atmosphere, releases large amounts of carbon dioxide. The U.S. vented, or flared, natural gas directly into the atmosphere in 2019. 1.48 Billion cubic feet per day.
S.B. 823, if approved, would prohibit operators of oil or gas wells from using flaring as a method to control methane emissions 823 would ban operators of oil and gas wells from using flaring to reduce methane emission.
Aaron BoockvarKlein, LSA senior and President ofStudents for Clean EnergyAccording to him, a ban of flaring would reduce carbon dioxide emission.
Klein stated that flaring is the reason it exists in the first instance. It was made carbon dioxide and not methane to reduce emissions. Now, we are saying that we don’t want carbon dioxide to be there so you need to capture (the) methane. It is actually holding operators accountable for the externalities of their work. They don’t have the right to pollute.
The bill would amend the 1994 Natural Resources and Environmental Protection ActActThis law was created to regulate the pollution and natural gas emissions into our environment, as well as the use of certain lands waters and other natural resources within the state. The act also includes specific penalties for operators who fail to comply with environmental regulations.
The bill would punish any gas or oil operator who fails to reduce methane emissions by imposing a $100,000 fine and revoke their permits.
Sithara Menon, campus organizerMichigan Public Interest Research GroupAccording to, The Michigan Daily reported that flaring could be banned but that it would not reduce the problem. greenhouse gas emissionsThey believe that legislation supporting renewable energy should be at the forefront of climate policy.
Menon stated that this would not only reduce the health hazards associated with fossil fuels but also decrease our contribution towards climate change, which many consider to be the greatest threat to our environment and human health.
ManyStateTo move their state towards clean energy, and carbon neutrality, governments have either drafted or signed legislation. In September 2020, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer directed Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to create a plan for the state’s transition to carbon neutrality by 2050. The Department published aDraftThe plan was approved on January 14.
2. Water Shut Off Protection
Status: Referred to Committee on Environmental Quality
Senate Bill 343A group of ten senators introduced the Water Shut-Off Protection Act on March 25, 2021. If passed, the act would ban water and sewage system providers depriving customers who have not paid their outstanding debts from receiving service.
The bill would require water providers to post a notice detailing the applicable water affordability.PlansIncome-based programs to assist residents with outstanding water bills must be placed at the customers’ doors at least 60 calendar days before the shut-off date. The provider would also need to post another notice 10 calendar days before shut-off and make a personal visit to the customer to discuss any water affordability plans within the week preceding the shut-off. The Water Shut-Off Protection Act will ensure that customers’ water is not cut off if they are still in compliance with their water affordability program.
The bill is in conformity with the Federal Emergency Water is a Human RightActU.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell in MI-12 and Rep. Rashida Talaib in MI-13IntroducedApril 2020 to provide water security for low-income households during the pandemic
Joseph Cerniglia, sophomore at LSA, is Co-President Citizens Climate LobbyAccording to The Daily’s, the Water Shut Off Protection Act is an important step in ensuring equal access to water throughout the state. He said that the bill is in line with the current environmental justice movement which seeks to make resources more sustainable and equitable across all social classes.
Climate change is a major concern. affectsCerniglia stated that those who are already marginalized in society are affected. It affects) mainly lower-income individuals who don’t necessarily have the resources to prevent some of the worst effects of climate change.
3. Expanding Asbestos Inspection & Removal
Status: Referred to Committee on Environmental Quality
Senate Bill 341Three senators introduced legislation on March 25, 2021 that would establish annual state-funded inspections. asbestosIn compliance with the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air PollutantsProgramAsbestos. Similar to S.B. Like S.B. 823, this bill would amend the 1994 Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. It would add two sections to make the act effective. National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air PollutantsIt would establish an asbestos inspection fund in the state treasury.
Asbestos, a toxic mineral that naturally occurs in certain building materials, such as roofing shingles, vinyl floor tiles, and attic insulation, can cause serious health problems. Exposure to asbestos can causeCancerProgressive health disease.
If the bill is passed, property owners will be able to notify state about asbestos presence in their property before it is demolished or renovated. The bill would require the state to InspectThese buildings are used to determine the extent of asbestos in the building. The bill calls on the state to inspect 15% of asbestos received. NotificationsFor 2022 and 2023: 20% in 2024, 2025, and 25% in 2026. The bill does not explain how these percentages were determined.
Menon stated that the bill is a good step in the right direction to reduce toxic substances in Michigan, but there are still many things to do.
Menon stated that it is a great step as we know there is no safe level of asbestos. It is crucial to have a way to deal asbestos, not only in terms of air quality but also in terms the toxins people are exposed to in their homes. This inspection is only valid for 25% of renovations and it is not comprehensive.
Vanessa Kiefer is the Daily Staff Reporter. You can reach her at [email protected].
