Bill Text: MI HB6163 | 2023-2024 | 102nd Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: Environmental protection: hazardous products; Michigan statewide microplastics strategy; establish. Amends 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.101 - 324.90106) by adding pt. 151.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2024-12-03 - Bill Electronically Reproduced 12/03/2024 [HB6163 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2023-HB6163-Introduced.html
HOUSE BILL NO. 6163
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled
"Natural resources and environmental protection act,"
(MCL 324.101 to 324.90106) by adding part 151.
the people of the state of michigan enact:
PART 151
STATEWIDE MICROPLASTICS RESEARCH AND MONITORING PLAN
Sec. 15101. (1) The department, in consultation with other state departments and agencies and interested entities, shall develop a statewide microplastics research and monitoring plan to increase understanding of the scale of microplastics and risks of microplastics on human health, the health of the Michigan Great Lakes, and the critical drinking water supply and identify proposed solutions to address the impacts of microplastic materials, to the extent feasible.
(2) The department may enter into 1 or more contracts with research institutions in this state, including those associated with Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and other academic and research institutions that have demonstrated expertise relating to the effects of microplastic materials on the Michigan Great Lakes, for research services that will contribute directly to the development of the statewide microplastics research and monitoring plan.
(3) The statewide microplastics research and monitoring plan must include, but is not limited to, all of the following:
(a) Strategies for developing a comprehensive plan to identify and evaluate the ecological, health, and economic impacts associated with microplastics in the Michigan Great Lakes.
(b) Methods for sampling, detecting, and characterizing microplastics that are consistent with recognized standards from scientific, peer-reviewed research or relevant agencies, without the involvement of private corporations, including, but not limited to, any of the following:
(i) The International Joint Commission.
(ii) The United States Environmental Protection Agency.
(iii) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(iv) ASTM International.
(c) A list of the baseline concentrations of microplastics in the Michigan Great Lakes that includes, but is not limited to, all of the following information:
(i) An assessment of the associated environmental and human health impacts.
(ii) Solutions this state can immediately implement as scientific knowledge of microplastics continues to develop.
(iii) Factors that should be considered, such as microplastic particle age, size, shape, type, and location.
(d) Research actions that are in alignment with best practices and what is being done or has been done by other Great Lakes states and Canada.
(e) An investigation into the sources of microplastics and the significance of pathways related to environmental and human health impacts of microplastics. An investigation under this subdivision must include the development of a long-term research plan with annual updates available to the public to establish a baseline of existing data and identify feasible study approaches for understanding microplastics, and an ongoing strategy for reducing the microplastics in the Michigan Great Lakes.
(f) A risk assessment framework for microplastics consistent with best available science and research, and based on the best available information on exposure of microplastics to organisms, including humans, through pathways that impact the Michigan Great Lakes.
(g) Research on approaches to reduce the introduction of microplastics into the Michigan Great Lakes from significant pathways and sources, with an emphasis on the sizes, shapes, and types of microplastics that are associated with significant environmental and human health impacts, as research and technology capabilities and resources allow.
(h) Recommendations for policy changes, including statutory changes, or additional research that may be needed.
(i) Recommendations for solutions for near-term action to control microplastic introduction into the Michigan Great Lakes, such as source elimination, pathway intervention, and public education and outreach.
(j) A timeline to implement the statewide microplastics plan and reduce the impacts of microplastics on the Michigan Great Lakes.
(k) A list of potential barriers to implementation that includes estimated costs and potential funding sources.
(4) To develop and implement the statewide microplastics research and monitoring plan, the department may utilize existing information and leverage ongoing federal efforts and efforts of this state and other states, where possible.
(5) Not later than July 1, 2026, the department shall submit the statewide microplastics research and monitoring plan to the legislature. Not later than January 30, 2029, the department shall submit a report to the legislature regarding the implementation of the statewide microplastics research and monitoring plan.
(6) To the extent that funds are available from bonds and other sources, including federal funds, not later than July 1, 2028, the department shall adopt and implement the statewide microplastics research and monitoring plan.
(7) As used in this section:
(a) "Department" means the department of environment, Great Lakes, and energy.
(b) "International Joint Commission" means a binational organization established by the governments of the United States and Canada under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909, and whose responsibilities were expanded under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1972.
(c) "Microplastics" means a solid polymeric material, to which chemical additives or other substances may have been added, that has at least 3 dimensions, and is less than 5 millimeters in size. Microplastics does not include polymers that are derived in nature and are not chemically modified.
