WETLAND LEGISLATION

HB 4901 and SB 1112: Surrender federal delegation of Michigan's wetland program

OPPOSE

Given all the confusion on federal protections of our waters and wetlands, some Members of the Michigan Legislature have decided it would be a good time to destroy the State's wetland protection program as well. House Bill 4901 and SB 1112 would repeal the State's assumption of authority to administer the federal Section 404 Program (wetlands protection). Michigan has a proud tradition of being one of only two states to administer the program and that tradition must be maintained. Rather than abolishing vital environmental protections, lawmakers should be doing everything within their power to preserve and protect existing wetlands. This bill is an abomination and the assault upon our wetland protection must be stopped!

HB 4623: Wetland permit exemptions for driveways

OPPOSE

House Bill 4623 which was introduced April 19 by Representative Amos would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to exempt the construction, maintenance, or widening of a driveway. This would tie the DEQ's hands when reviewing driveway applications through the General Permit process. Under existing law, even General Permit applicants must first show they have considered all alternatives that would have less impact on wetlands. The bill would prevent DEQ from requiring applicants to consider the use of alternative upland building sites on the property that would take away the need for the proposed driveway. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Great Lakes and Environment.

**Not only would the passage of these bills allow for the destruction of wetlands, both hold the potential to weaken wetland protection within the state of Michigan. Both bills would jeopardize Michigan's assumption of the federal wetland program. Michigan has a proud tradition of being one of only two states to administer Section 404 Program of the Clean Water Act (wetlands protection). To keep the authority to administer Section 404, the state must maintain a program that is equivalent to the federal program. Broadening state exemptions beyond the specifications of the federal exemptions would reduce the current equivalency standards, therefore, putting the state's assumption in jeopardy.