As the Michigan Legislature’s 2024 session nears its end, the state House is set to revisit House Bill 5205, a controversial measure that would expand the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) rulemaking authority to develop and enforce water quality regulations.
Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) is imploring members to oppose the bill by messaging state representatives as soon as possible. The organization says the bill would significantly increase EGLE’s regulatory power, reduce government transparency, and limit opportunities for stakeholder input and thorough economic analysis.
“Our members prioritize transparency and insist that rules and standards be grounded in sound economic and scientific analysis,” said MFB Legislative Counsel Ben Tirrell. “This bill threatens those principles by granting EGLE nearly unchecked authority over Michigan’s water — and, by extension, everything that happens across its landscape.”
To make your voice heard, text ‘MIWATER’ to 52886 or visit this link to send a message to your state representative. You can use the pre-written message provided or personalize it with details about your farm and how this legislation will impact Michigan’s agriculture industry.
Sponsored by Rep. Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing), HB 5205 will be considered Thursday morning by the House Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Committee. An identical measure, Senate Bill 663, introduced by Sen. Sue Shink (D-Northville), passed the Senate in June on a 20-18 party-line vote but has seen no progress since.
Tirrell noted that if the House committee approves HB 5205 this week, the bill must still pass a full House vote and return to the Senate for final consideration — all within the few remaining days of the often unpredictable “lame duck” legislative session.
