Genesee News

By State Rep. David Martin, R-Davison and David Prestin, R-Cedar River

Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (DEGLE) has been known to exert its authority through numerous regulations that impact the lives of residents and business owners. In an effort to ensure citizen involvement and accountability, Michigan established three citizen oversight boards in 2018: the Environmental Rules Review Committee, the Environmental Permit Review Commission, and the Environmental Science Advisory Board. These boards were created to provide a check on bureaucratic power and allow residents and stakeholders to have a say in regulations that directly affect them.

"These oversight boards were designed to provide a check on bureaucratic power, ensuring that residents and other stakeholders have a voice when it comes to the regulations that affect the way they live, work and do business in Michigan," stated Rep. David Martin.

The purpose of these oversight boards is to incorporate citizen input into the rulemaking process, ensuring that regulations not only serve their intended purpose but also consider the practical implications for residents and businesses across the state. Stakeholders directly impacted by DEGLE's regulations have expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to voice their concerns and contribute to the development of regulations that affect their communities.

"Eliminating them would represent a step backward for Michigan," warned Rep. David Prestin.

However, recent legislative efforts in the form of Senate Bills 393-394 and House Bills 4824-4826 seek to eliminate these oversight boards, potentially diminishing citizen input and transparency in regulatory decision-making. The consequences of such a move could be detrimental. Without these oversight boards, citizens would lose a vital mechanism for holding regulatory agencies accountable and decisions may not be in the best interests of the people of Michigan.

"These oversight boards were modeled after successful systems in other states, such as Indiana. Their effectiveness in promoting transparency and accountability in regulatory processes cannot be overstated," emphasized Rep. David Martin.

The preservation of these oversight boards is crucial to upholding the principles of accountability and transparency in governance. By maintaining these boards, Michigan can continue to demonstrate its commitment to responsible and inclusive decision-making.

"As the debate over this partisan plan continues, we urge our colleagues in the Legislature to prioritize the interests of Michigan residents and local businesses," urged Rep. David Prestin.

Eliminating citizen oversight panels would invite bureaucratic overreach and hinder the ability of citizens to hold regulatory agencies accountable. It is essential to maintain a fair and equitable regulatory landscape for all.