UP Gazette

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has repealed laws passed by the late Sen. Tom Casperson, which created the Environmental Rules Review Committee. The committee, composed of individuals from various sectors, was tasked with reviewing environmental regulations before implementation. Sen. Ed McBroom, who worked for Tom, expressed that the purpose of the bills was to ensure the department listened to the voices of the public and those affected by the regulations.

According to McBroom, the committee was created in response to frustrations caused by ineffective and non-scientific rules imposed by the Department of Energy, Great Lakes, and Environment. Supporters of the repeal argued that it would expedite the regulatory rulemaking process.

Rep. Dave Prestin criticized the repeal, stating, "How does explaining what the bureaucrats are planning to a group made up of citizens with expertise on the issues get slandered as 'bureaucracy' and 'red tape'?" Rep. Hill, a sponsor of one of the bills, defended the decision by claiming that eliminating the panel would allow the department to perform its job more effectively.

However, Rep. Greg Markkanen voiced concerns over the diminishing voice of the public in decision-making processes. He stated, "It's less and less voice for us and more power for the government over our land, employers, farmers, and businesses." McBroom also raised issues with new rules being imposed on small butcher shops, arguing that the rules were unsustainable and counterproductive.

In response to the criticism, McBroom highlighted that Tom Casperson would not have supported bills that increased bureaucracy or made it harder for people and employers. He emphasized that repealing the committee might expedite the process but does not necessarily benefit the people.