Democrats make legislative push for citizen oversight of Michigan Department of Environmental Qualit

Michigan Democratic representatives and senators introduced legislation last week that would restore citizen oversight commissions to environmental quality issues in the state.

These commissions would be consulted for air pollution, water quality and oil and gas issues in the state. Michigan already had such commissions in place for air and water quality issues, but they were eliminated by former Gov. John Engler in 1991.

“We are committed to improving the air and water quality in our districts–my House District 6 is home to the ZIP code with the highest rate of air pollution in the state–and restoring citizen oversight commissions is an important component in this effort,” Rep. Stephanie Chang Chang (D-Detroit), said. “Our residents deserve to have a voice in the permitting and rulemaking process for companies that pollute our air.”

Under the newly proposed air pollution control and water resources commissions, each oversight board would consist of 11 members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Three citizens would be joined by a variety of governmental and industry representatives, including the directors of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and Natural Resources, respectively.

Calls for legislative changes have grown since the water quality crisis in Flint began in 2014, and even now, it was pointed to as an example for the Democrats’ push.

“Having a water resource commission could have gone a long way to, at the very least, force officials to respond more quickly to the water crisis as it unfolded in Flint,” Rep. Phil Phelps (D-Flushing), who has pushed for the water resources commission, said. “This commission is important because it would have supervisory and investigatory power within the MDEQ, so its members could have a real impact on ensuring that we protect our water from pollution and polluters.”

Between the varying bills, the air pollution control commission would oversee aspects of the MDEQ. The water resources commission could hold public hearings and receive complaints related to state drinking water. An oil and gas commission would also allow members a say in the rules surrounding and permitting oil and gas pipelines, along with receiving complaints and requesting actions of the attorney general.

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