By Paul J. Sniadecki, MLSA Board Director
On Wednesday, July 26, 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed yet another piece of legislation undoing a policy from former Governor Rick Snyder’s administration, with the repeal of the “no stricter than federal” law.
Public Act 104 of 2023 (a.k.a. SB 14) repeals a requirement that state regulations be no stricter than federal rules under certain circumstances. The policy was passed in 2018 during a Lame Duck session. State Senator Sean McCann (Kalamazoo), sponsor of SB 14, said, “…Federal standards should be the floor, not the ceiling. Michigan will once again have the ability to take swift, decisive action based on the best science available to protect our precious natural resources…”
Lisa Wozniak, Executive Director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, stated “…Michigan’s environmental challenges are unique, and the state should be able to set best fit standards that protect our land, air, water and public health…”
The new law is on the books, but it will be awhile before its impact can be assessed. State agencies will still have to identify environmental issues, develop scientific ways to deal with the issues, and allow for public input before implementing any new regulations.
MLSA has covered the progress of SB14 from its introduction in early 2023, through its signing by the governor. See our news section for previous information.