Commonsense legislation ensures local governments can swiftly respond to environmental threats and maintain normal lake levels

LANSING, MI - Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed two bills last week that cut red tape, ensuring state agencies can quickly and effectively respond to environmental threats and help local governments maintain “normal” inland lake levels. 

“Michigan communities and governments should have the resources they need to address climate-related impacts and disasters when they need them,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I’m proud to have signed two commonsense bills that cut red tape to ensure state agencies can more efficiently respond to weather-related emergencies and to redefine outdated water levels, allowing local governments to better manage lake levels. Together, we can ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for all Michiganders.” 

Delivering on Environmental Priorities 

Senate Bill 398, sponsored by state Senator Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), ensures that state agencies have the tools needed to enforce environmental regulations and promptly respond to emergencies by authorizing the director of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to issue written emergency orders to protect public health and safety. This bill works to make our communities safer, ensuring our government can take swift action in times of emergency without having to navigate complex red tape.   

“This legislation empowers the Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to swiftly respond to environmental threats, ensuring immediate action to safeguard public health, natural resources, and our state’s ecological balance,” said state Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo). “It strengthens our ability to protect Michigan’s environment in times of crisis.” 

Senate Bill 662, sponsored by state Senator Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield), modifies the definition of the “normal level” of an inland lake, allowing the level to vary due to weather, natural events, or construction activities. The bill also updates the financing options available to an authority in order tomaintain a "normal" lake level.  

“Ensuring Michigan’s inland lakes maintain their natural levels is paramount to safeguarding our environment and communities,” said state Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield). “SB 662 empowers local authorities to effectively manage lake levels, balancing ecological preservation with community needs.” 

Governor Whitmer’s Work to Fight Climate Change and Protect Michigan’s Waterways

- Launched the MI Healthy Climate Plan, laying out a pathway for Michigan to reach 100% carbon neutrality by 2050 to avert the worst impacts of the climate crisis, create good-paying jobs, and build a healthier and more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable Michigan for all Michiganders
- Made investments to protect the Great Lakes from pollution, revitalize wetlands, protect groundwater, remove dams, and more
- Signed largest water investments in Michigan history into law in the Building Michigan Together Plan, designating $2 billion for water-related priorities like clean drinking water and safe dams.
- Signed Historic Clean Energy & Climate Action Package, lowering household utility costs by an average of $145 a year, creating 160,000 good-paying jobs, and bringing nearly $8 billion of federal tax dollars home to Michigan for clean energy projects 

Governor Whitmer’s Work to Cut Red Tape and Respond to Climate-Related Impacts

- Secured $3.3 million to improve turnaround time and public outreach for environmental permitting
- Deposited $20 million ($10 million in FY25 and $10 million in a FY24 supplemental) into the Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund to cover current and identified expenses and safeguard against the risks of future disasters
- Secured the first-ever use of U.S Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance (SBA) nationwide, highlighting Michigan as a leading state in the nation for recovery efforts