DNR/NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION S.B. 1280:
COMMITTEE SUMMARY
Senate Bill 1280 (as introduced 9-19-12)
Sponsor: Senator Tom Casperson
Committee: Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes
CONTENT
The bill would amend Part 5 (Department of Natural Resources) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to do the following:
-- Eliminate a provision designating the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) as the head of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and authorizing the Commission to establish policies for the DNR Director's guidance.
-- Limit an individual's membership on the NRC to two four-year terms.
-- Require the Governor, rather than the NRC, to appoint a DNR Director.
-- Require the NRC to advise the DNR Director on natural resources and conservation matters.
-- Require the DNR to maximize natural resource-based economic activity and recreational opportunities on Department land.
Natural Resources Commission
Part 5 provides that the NRC is the head of the DNR, and may establish general policies related to natural resources management and environmental protection for the guidance of the DNR Director. In addition, the NRC has appellate authority to review a DNR decision regarding the issuance, denial, suspension, revocation, annulment, withdrawal, recall, cancelation, or amendment of a permit or operating license.
The bill would eliminate the language designating the NRC as the head of the DNR and authorizing the Commission to establish policies for the Director's guidance.
Part 5 requires the NRC to appoint and employ a Director, who continues in office at the pleasure of the Commission. The bill would delete this provision. Instead, the DNR Director would be appointed by the Governor and serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Commission would have to advise the DNR Director on matters related to natural resources and conservation.
The NRC consists of seven members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The term of office of each member is four years. The bill provides that an individual would not be eligible to serve more than two terms. A person who served more than two years of a term would be considered to have served a full term. An individual serving in a third or subsequent term when the bill took effect could continue to serve for the balance of that term.
Duties of Department of Natural Resources
Part 5 requires the DNR to protect and conserve the State's natural resources. Under the bill, the Department would have to fulfill this duty while maximizing natural resource-based economic activity and recreational opportunities on land controlled by the Department.
MCL 324.501 & 324.503 Legislative Analyst: Julie Cassidy
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
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.