Reps. Elsenheimer, Proos, Bolger, Rogers, Wayne Schmidt, Meltzer, Daley, Ball, Booher, Calley, Caul, Crawford, Denby, Haines, Hansen, Horn, Rick Jones, Kowall, Kurtz, Lahti, Lori, Lund, Marleau, Mayes, Meekhof, Moss, Opsommer, Pearce, Schuitmaker, Sheltrown, Tyler and Walsh offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 211.    

            A resolution to urge the Governor and the Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to maintain the integrity of the Office of Geological Survey and keep it as distinct and independent entity with lead responsibilities for oil and gas resources in the state.

             Whereas, The Office of Geological Survey (OGS) has served as a steward of Michigan's mineral resources since the state's inception in 1837. The mission of the OGS is to promote the best use of oil, gas, and other geological resources for their social and economic benefits while protecting associated resource values, property rights, the environment, and public health and safety; and

            Whereas, Since 1995, the OGS has resided in the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) as a distinct and independent division. However, in 2009, Governor Granholm abolished the DEQ and the Department of Natural Resources and created the new Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE). Many details remain to be worked out regarding the consolidation of the two departments, and it is not clear how the OGS will be impacted; and

            Whereas, It is crucial for the people and the industries that work with the OGS that it remain a distinct and independent division in the DNRE. Michigan's oil and gas industries are vital to the state's economy. Michigan is home to some of the most significant oil and gas reserves and underground gas storage capacity in the entire Midwest. The oil and gas industries generate nearly $18 billion of economic activity each year, ranking only behind agribusiness and manufacturing in total economic value to the state; and

            Whereas, Ensuring state regulatory agencies such as the OGS, which has jurisdiction over oil and gas exploration and storage matters, has the degree of autonomy it has had over the years would ensure these activities are protected from potential inefficiencies; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Governor and the Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to maintain the integrity of the Office of Geological Survey and keep it as a distinct and independent entity within the Department of Natural Resources and Environment with lead responsibilities for oil and gas resources in the state; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor of the state Michigan, the Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Supervisor of Wells of the Office of Geological Survey.