UP Gazette

Rep. David Martin and Rep. David Prestin, both Republican lawmakers, have voiced their concerns over recent legislative efforts that seek to eliminate crucial citizen oversight boards in Michigan. These boards were established in 2018 to provide a check on bureaucratic power within the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (DEGLE).

The Environmental Rules Review Committee, the Environmental Permit Review Commission, and the Environmental Science Advisory Board were created to ensure that regulations take into account the needs and concerns of residents and businesses directly impacted. This collaborative approach has been well-received by stakeholders, who appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the development of regulations affecting their communities.

However, Senate Bills 393-394 and House Bills 4824-4826 threaten to undo the progress made in bolstering citizen oversight. If these bills are passed, the avenues for citizen input and transparency in regulatory decision-making would be significantly diminished, undermining the trust and accountability built within the regulatory process.

The effectiveness of these oversight boards in promoting transparency and accountability is highlighted by their success in other states like Indiana. Rep. Martin and Rep. Prestin emphasize the importance of upholding citizen oversight as a matter of good governance and ensuring a fair and equitable regulatory landscape for all.

In light of the potential consequences of eliminating these oversight boards, the lawmakers urge their colleagues in the Legislature to prioritize the interests of residents and local businesses. As the debate over this partisan plan unfolds, the preservation of citizen oversight remains crucial for maintaining public confidence in government decision-making.