MICHIGAN GEOLOGICAL SURVEY APPROPRIATIONS

House Bill 4745 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Bronna Kahle

Committee:  Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation

Revised 10-15-19

SUMMARY:

House Bill 4745 would amend Part 601 (Geological Survey) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to require the legislature to annually appropriate $3.0 million to the Michigan Geological Survey.

Under the bill, the additional appropriation would be used to conduct geological surveys of PFAS contamination in soils or groundwater and of groundwater in areas for which the Department of Environmental Quality (now the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)) has the priority need for geological groundwater data.

Currently, the Michigan Geological Survey is established within Western Michigan University (WMU) and can receive money or other assets from funds appropriated by the legislature; federal, state, municipal, or private grants; or any other source approved by WMU.

However, it should be noted that the bill does not actually make an appropriation and that an act of the legislature cannot tie the hands of future legislatures. The intent expressed by HB 4745 would require an appropriation in another act to be effectuated.

MCL 324.60108

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4745 would not affect costs or revenues for the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy or the Department of Natural Resources. However, the bill would increase revenue for Western Michigan University by directing an annual appropriation of $3.0 million from an unspecified fund source to the Michigan Geological Survey, which is housed in the university’s Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences. This program conducts research on Michigan’s geological resources, including water, oil, gas, minerals, and soil. The bill is unlikely to affect local government costs or revenues.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Emily S. Smith

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Austin Scott

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.