2005 Senate Bill 73 / Public Act 57

Air pollution emission offsets

Introduced in the Senate

Jan. 25, 2005

Introduced by Sen. Patricia Birkholz (R-24)

To establish start dates for air pollution nonattainment area offsets. This relates to a federal finding that a large section of western Michigan may be forced to undertake drastic pollution reduction strategies as a result of pollution drifting east from Chicago. The “offsets” are pollution “credits” that may be purchased by a facility where emissions reductions are difficult, from one that has already reduced or eliminated emissions.

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

April 28, 2005

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 3, 2005

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that also requires the Department of Environmental Quality to provide information about the offsets on its web site.

The substitute passed by voice vote

May 4, 2005

Passed in the Senate 35 to 0 (details)

To establish start dates for air pollution nonattainment area offsets, and require the Department of Environmental Quality to provide information about the offsets on its web site. This relates to a federal finding that a large section of western Michigan may be forced to undertake drastic pollution reduction strategies as a result of pollution drifting east from Chicago. The “offsets” are pollution “credits” that may be purchased by a facility where emissions reductions are difficult, from one that has already reduced or eliminated emissions.

Received in the House

May 4, 2005

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Great Lakes, Land Use, and Environment

June 2, 2005

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

June 16, 2005

Passed in the House 104 to 0 (details)

To establish start dates for air pollution nonattainment area offsets, and require the Department of Environmental Quality to provide information about the offsets on its web site. This relates to a federal finding that a large section of western Michigan may be forced to undertake drastic pollution reduction strategies as a result of pollution drifting east from Chicago. The “offsets” are pollution “credits” that may be purchased by a facility where emissions reductions are difficult, from one that has already reduced or eliminated emissions.

Received in the Senate

June 21, 2005

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

June 30, 2005