2018 House Bill 5638 / Public Act 209

Revise groundwater withdrawal permit regime

Introduced in the House

Feb. 22, 2018

Introduced by Rep. Aaron Miller (R-59)

To revise details of a <a href="http://www.michiganvotes.org/2007-HB-5067">2008 law</a> that imposed a comprehensive regulatory regime and restrictions on industrial, commercial and agricultural groundwater use that relies on an extraordinarily complex computer "assessment tool" using various factors including mapping underground water sources to estimate whether a particular withdrawal might have a negative impact. Among other things the bill would establish a rebuttable presumption that a particular use will not create an “adverse resource impact” if the user presents an array of evidence meeting specified standards. It would also repeal a requirement that landowners turn over certain agricultural well use information.

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

May 17, 2018

Passed in the House 93 to 15 (details)

To revise details of a <a href="http://www.michiganvotes.org/2007-HB-5067">2008 law</a> that imposed a comprehensive regulatory regime and restrictions on industrial, commercial and agricultural groundwater use. The bill would allow a more streamlined process for proposed withdrawals that meet certain conditions, and establish deadlines for state officials to process permit requests for these. It would also repeal a requirement that landowners make public certain agricultural well use information.

Received in the Senate

May 22, 2018

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

May 24, 2018

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

June 6, 2018

Passed in the Senate 30 to 7 (details)

To revise details of a <a href="http://www.michiganvotes.org/2007-HB-5067">2008 law</a> that imposed a comprehensive regulatory regime and restrictions on industrial, commercial and agricultural groundwater use. The bill would allow a more streamlined process for proposed withdrawals that meet certain conditions, and establish deadlines for state officials to process permit requests for these. It would also repeal a requirement that landowners make public certain agricultural well use information.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

June 21, 2018