Michigan House Bill HB4192

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/25
• Refer: 3/11/25
• Report Pass: 6/4/25
• Engrossed: 6/12/25
• Refer: 6/17/25

Caption

Environmental protection: permits; groundwater discharge permit requirements; modify. Amends sec. 3122 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3122).

Impact

The implications of HB 4192 are significant for Michigan's environmental regulatory framework. By establishing clear permit fee tiers and timelines for application approvals, the bill seeks to enhance efficiency in the regulatory process while also securing additional revenue for the department responsible for overseeing groundwater discharge. The introduction of discounts for applications that take too long to process further incentivizes an expedient assessment of permit applications.

Summary

House Bill 4192 aims to modify the permit requirements for discharging wastewater into Michigan's groundwater by amending section 3122 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451). This bill stipulates the establishment of a tiered permit fee structure based on the type of facility or municipality discharging wastewater, with fees ranging from $240 for group 3 facilities to $7,500 for group 1 facilities. Additionally, municipalities with populations of 1,000 or fewer residents will have provisions in place guiding how they manage and potentially pass on permit fees to users of their municipal facilities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4192 appears to reflect a mix of support and concern. Supporters praise the proposed fee structure as a progressive step that acknowledges the environmental responsibilities of diverse facilities while providing local governments the ability to generate revenue without imposing hefty burdens on smaller communities. Conversely, some environmental advocacy groups voice apprehensions over potential risks to groundwater quality and question whether the fee structures might disproportionately impact smaller municipalities and facilities.

Contention

Notable points of contention in discussions around HB 4192 include the efficacy of the tiered fee system and the transparency in how fees are managed within municipalities. Critics express concern that the amendments could lead to inadequate environmental protections if the fees associated with lower-tier facilities do not sufficiently cover the regulatory expenses. Furthermore, the timeline constraints for permit approvals might pressure the regulatory department, risking the thoroughness of assessment at the expense of environmental safeguards.