To create a state environmental permit appeal panel comprised of certain officials and representatives of specified interests including business, local governments and environmentalist groups. The bill would establish a process by which a permit applicant who is aggrieved by a decision of the Department of Environmental Quality could appeal to the panel, which would have the authority to revise or reject the DEQ's decision or conditions on a permit.   Official Text and Analysis.

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

To define as a disqualifying conflict of interest an appeals panel member having an ownership interest in a firm with an appeal, or having worked for the firm within the previous three years.

To remove the proposed panel's power to reverse or modify DEQ permit decisions and conditions.

To also allow local governments to make appeals to the proposed panel.

To prohibit participation in an appeal by a member of the proposed panel who is in the same industry as the party making the appeal.

To prohibit a member of the proposed panel from taking a job with the party making the appeal for three years, with violations subject to 90 days in jail.

To require members of the proposed appeals panel to be a resident of the state.

To make individual members of the proposed appeals panel personally liable for any injuries or environmental damage, including clean up costs, that result from a decision to modify permit "in a manner that is less protective of the environment or public health".

To create a state environmental permit appeal panel comprised of certain officials and representatives of specified interests. The bill would establish a process by which a permit applicant who is aggrieved by a decision of the Department of Environmental Quality could appeal to the panel, which would have the authority to revise or reject the DEQ's decision or conditions on a permit.

With the recommendation that the bill be referred to the Committee on Michigan Competitiveness.

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

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance as previously described.

To require members of the proposed appeals panel to be a resident of the state.

To prohibit membership on the proposed panel by an individual who has been a lobbyist at any time during the past five years.

To prohibit a member of the proposed panel from taking a job with the party making the appeal for three years, with violations subject to 90 days in jail.

To tie-bar the bill to House Bills 4255, 4256 and 5116, meaning this bill cannot become law unless those ones do also. Those bills expand the powers of state environmental regulators.

To concur with the House-passed version of the bill.