2010 Senate Bill 1177

Restore certain “groundwater dispute resolution program”

Introduced in the Senate

Feb. 25, 2010

Introduced by Sen. Roger Kahn (R-32)

To restore the “<a href="http://www.michiganvotes.org/2003-HB-4087">groundwater dispute resolution program</a>” repealed by House Bill 5222 (now Public Act 176 of 2009). This provision was originally legislated in 2003, which authorized $1,000 per day fines and gave the Department of Environmental Quality expanded powers in this area. A much more extensive groundwater use <a href="http://www.michiganvotes.org/SearchLegislation.aspx?CategoryID=0&Keywords=groundwater+regulation&StartMonth=1&StartYear=2007&EndMonth=12&EndYear=2008&Results=50&Laws=True&op=Search">regulatory regime</a> authorized by legislation passed in 2008 remains in effect.

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

April 27, 2010

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Sept. 28, 2010

Amendment offered by Sen. Liz Brater (D-18)

To ban the extraction of natural gas using "hydraulic fracturing" ("fracking"). This new technique has revolutionized gas extraction in the United States, more than doubling the amount of known domestic reserves.

The amendment failed 16 to 21 (details)

Amendment offered by Sen. Liz Brater (D-18)

To require natural gas drillers who "hydraulic fracturing" ("fracking") to give notice to state environmental regulators, and describe in the notice the chemicals they will use.

The amendment failed 16 to 21 (details)

Amendment offered by Sen. Liz Brater (D-18)

To prohibit the extraction of natural gas using "hydraulic fracturing" unless a driller applies for permission and is granted a permit by state environmental regulators. This new technique has revolutionized gas extraction in the United States, more than doubling the amount of known domestic reserves.

The amendment failed 16 to 21 (details)

Amendment offered by Sen. Liz Brater (D-18)

To establish that if any of the chemicals used to extract natural gas using "hydraulic fracturing" are found in nearby groundwater, there is a rebuttable presumption that the gas driller is liable.

The amendment failed 15 to 22 (details)

Passed in the Senate 28 to 9 (details)

Received in the House

Sept. 29, 2010

Referred to the Committee on Great Lakes and Environment