On May 5, 2023, a package of bills was introduced to the Michigan House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform. There will be a hearing in Lansing on May 9, with a possible Committee vote one week later on May 16.
BILLS:
House Bill 4526 (2023) – http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2023-HB-4526
House Bill 4527 (2023) – http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2023-HB-4527
House Bill 4528 (2023) – http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2023-HB-4528
SHARON PRESERVATION SOCIETY’S WRITTEN TESTIMONY TO THE REGULATORY REFORM COMMITTEE 05-2023
The Regulatory Reform Committee intended to vote on the bills on June 13, 2023 but decided to pause, likely due to overwhelmingly strong opposition from citizens across the state, as well a environmental and local groups.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
Advocacy Groups:
Sierra Club – https://www.sierraclub.org/michigan/blog/2023/05/enviro-leaders-speak-out-it-s-time-prioritize-great-lakes-not-polluters
Michigan Townships Association – https://michigantownships.org/harmful-legislation-would-silence-local-voices-on-sand-and-gravel-mining/
Media:
MLive – https://www.mlive.com/news/2023/05/michigan-legislation-would-shift-gravel-mine-permitting-to-state.html
Detroit Free Press – https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2023/05/04/michigan-gravel-mines-approval-zoning/70178706007/
Sun Times News – https://thesuntimesnews.com/g/dexter-mi/post/157930/aggregate-industry-bills-hb-452645274528
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Let your representative and senator know that you do not support these bills:
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- They are not fair
- They are not necessary
- They harm townships like ours and favor profitable corporations
Sharon Township Representatives:
Representative Carrie Rheingans https://housedems.com/carrie-rheingans/contact/
Senator Sue Shink https://senatedems.com/shink/contact/
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