LANSING, MI (MPRN)-- Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s signature on a bill would alter how the state pays for a critical anti-pollution program.
Michigan Public Radio’s Rick Pluta says the bill is supposed to make sure polluters continue to pay the costs of running the program.
Right now, Michigan businesses are charged based on how many tons are discharged into the atmosphere, but the program is a victim of its own success. As emissions are reduced, so is the money for inspections and enforcement.
Democratic state Senator Rosemary Bayer says the changes will make sure polluters continue pay the costs of compliance, and that Michigan does not lose control of its environmental protection programs.
“We don’t want the federal government to do it for us. But if we don’t meet their requirements, then they will come in and take it over.”
Bayer says the state’s been tapping into the general fund as revenue from fees has dried up.