Michigan Chamber of Commerce Thanks Governor Snyder for Signing Legislation to Strengthen and Improve DEQ Rulemaking and Permit Process

LANSING, Mich., July 2, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today issued the following statement in response to Governor Snyder signing into law legislation to strengthen and improve administrative rulemaking at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

"I want to express our sincere appreciation to Governor Snyder for signing into law this landmark legislation to strengthen and improve DEQ rulemaking and permitting by providing for increased stakeholder involvement earlier in the process," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "Timely and helpful input from the Executive Office and legislative leaders in the House and Senate resulted in positive changes to this legislation as it moved through the Michigan Senate to the State House and now into law."

"We are also especially grateful for the ongoing partnership, teamwork and cooperation between leaders of the Michigan Farm Bureau and the Michigan Chamber," added Studley.

"Expanding openness, accountability and transparency at the DEQ is a top legislative priority for the Michigan Chamber," said Jason Geer, Director of Energy & Environmental Policy for the Michigan Chamber. "This legislation will create a more cooperative rulemaking process, where stakeholders and DEQ staff will have more meaningful interactions that produce better policy outcomes."

"Both the Science Advisory Board and the permit appeal panel will ensure that DEQ decisions are focused on the science rather than personal opinions or politics," noted Geer. "This legislation is positive news for Michigan and will go a long way to keep our state moving forward."

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing over 6,000 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce who employ over one million Michigan residents. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process.

SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce