Bill > HB4742

This bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to create new provisions for environmental permitting in overburdened communities. The bill makes several key changes, including defining "overburdened communities" as census block groups with low median income and specific demographic characteristics, and establishing new requirements for permit applications in these areas. For permits proposed in overburdened communities, applicants must now prepare an environmental justice impact assessment and hold a public hearing with detailed notification requirements. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy must deny permits that would be "discriminatory" to these communities, unless the facility serves a compelling public interest and no less discriminatory alternative exists. The bill also requires the department to publish a list of overburdened communities, assess additional fees to cover implementation costs, and impose specific conditions on permits to protect public health, reduce environmental harm, and promote community engagement. Additionally, the bill removes provisions related to an environmental permit review commission and streamlines the permit application and review process by establishing clear timelines and requirements for administrative completeness and permit processing.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4742