DARK SKY PRESERVE                                                                          H.B. 5414 (S-1):

                                                                                                      FLOOR SUMMARY

House Bill 5414 (Substitute S-1 as reported)

Sponsor:  Representative Frank Foster

House Committee:  Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation

Senate Committee:  Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes

CONTENT

The bill would amend Part 751 (Dark Sky Preserve) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to do the following:

-- Designate certain land in Emmet and Huron Counties as dark sky preserves.

-- Prohibit the establishment of a dark sky preserve in the Upper Peninsula.

-- Provide that the use and development of land within a dark sky preserve, including motorized and nonmotorized recreational use, could not be restricted due to the designation.

Part 751 designates specific State-owned land at Lake Hudson in Lenawee County as a dark sky preserve.  The bill also would designate the following as dark sky preserves:

-- The State-owned land encompassing Wilderness State Park and the State forestland within Bliss Township, Cross Village Township, and Wawatam in Emmet County.

-- The portions of Port Crescent State Park lying north and west of the Pinnebog River in a specific section of Hume Township, Huron County.

MCL 324.75101 et al.                                                     Legislative Analyst:  Julie Cassidy

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

Date Completed:  6-7-12                                                        Fiscal Analyst: Josh Sefton

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.