The following article will explain three bills that were introduced by the Michigan state legislative between 2021-2022 regarding resource protection and regulation.
The Michigan Daily spoke to representatives from University student organizations in order to discuss the potential impact of each bill on environmental issues in Michigan.
1. Methane Gas Control & Capture Requirements
Status: Referred the 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 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 burning of natural gas, releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. The U.S. vented, or flared, natural gas directly into the atmosphere in 2019. 1.48 billion cubic feet per day.
S.B. 823 would be approved if it is approved. 823 would prohibit operators operating oil or gas wells from using flare to reduce methane emissions.
Aaron BoockvarKlein, LSA senior and President ofStudents for Clean EnergyAccording to him, a ban on flaring would reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Klein stated that flaring was created to make methane carbon dioxide, rather than methane. We are saying that we don’t want carbon dioxide to be there so you need to capture it. It’s actually holding (operators) responsible for the externalities they do. They don’t have the right to pollute.
The bill would amend 1994’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection ActActThis law was created to regulate the pollution and natural gas emissions into our environment and the use certain lands, water, 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 penalize any operator of a gas or oil well that does not reduce methane omissions and would also revoke their permit.
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 legislation that supports renewable energy should be the main focus 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.
MultiplestateGovernments have signed or drafted legislation to move their states towards clean energy and carbon neutrality. In September 2020, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer directed Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy in developing a plan to achieve carbon neutrality for the state by 2050. The Department released the following:DraftThe plan was approved on January 14.
2. Water Shut Off Protection
Status: Referred the Committee on Environmental Quality
Senate Bill 343A group of ten senators introduced the Water Shut-Off Protection Act on March 25, 2021. The act, if passed, would prohibit water and sewer system providers from cutting off service to customers with outstanding delinquent payments without adequate notice.
The bill would require providers post a notification detailing water affordability.PlansIncome-based programs that help residents with outstanding water bills. These programs must be posted at least 60 days prior to the shut-off date. The provider would also need to post another notice 10 calendar days before shut-off and to personally visit and call the customer within one week of the proposed shut-off to discuss possible water affordability plans. The Water Shut-Off Protection Act would guarantee that water will continue to flow as long as the customer is in compliance with a water affordability plan.
The bill is in conformity with the Federal Emergency Water is a Human RightActU.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Rep. Rashida Talaib (MI-13).IntroducedApril 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, the Water Shut Off Protection Act is an important step towards ensuring that everyone has access to water in the state. He stated that the bill was in line with the current environmental justice movement which seeks to make resources more sustainable and more equitable across all social classes.
Climate change is a major concern. affectsCerniglia said that the society’s already disadvantaged people are most affected by climate change. 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 Removal and Inspection
Status: Referred the Committee on Environmental Quality
Senate Bill 341Three senators introduced legislation on March 25, 2021 that would establish annual state-funded inspections. asbestosConformance with the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air PollutantsProgramFor asbestos. Similar to S.B. This bill, like S.B. 823 would also amend 1994 Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. Two sections would be added to the bill to implement the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air PollutantsThe state treasury would be able to create an asbestos inspection fund.
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 passes, property owners could notify the state of the presence asbestos on their property before it was demolished or renovated. The bill would require the state to InspectThese buildings will be used to determine the amount of asbestos present. The bill requires that the state inspect 15% of all asbestos received. NotificationsFor 2022 and 2023: 20% in 2024, 2025, and 25% in 2026. The bill doesn’t specify how these percentages were calculated.
Menon stated that the bill is a good step in the right direction to reduce toxic substances in Michigan, but that there is still much work to do.
Menon stated that it is a great step as we know there is no safe level of asbestos. The ability to deal with asbestos is essential for not only air quality but also the toxins that people are exposed. This inspection is only valid for 25% of renovations and it is not comprehensive.
Vanessa Kiefer, Daily Staff Reporter, can be reached at: [email protected]