Michigan House budget plan could stall permits, slash sewer and water projects

LANSING, Mich. (UI) — Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) says the state’s drinking water, sewer, and permitting systems could face major setbacks under the House Republicans’ $78.5 billion budget proposal.

Director Phil Roos called the plan “irresponsible” and warned it would reduce staff by more than 150 positions, undermine permitting, and jeopardize critical environmental and infrastructure programs. “It slashes funding in ways that would dramatically slow the permitting process, effectively stopping economic development and job growth. It would also halt critical work to safeguard drinking water, clean up contaminated sites, and protect the Great Lakes and other natural resources,” Roos said.

According to EGLE, the budget could result in the loss of hundreds of millions in federal dollars tied to water projects, including lead service line replacement and sewer upgrades. Other impacts include severe delays in permit reviews, elimination of emergency response capacity, and an end to Great Lakes protection efforts.

Roos said the cuts would also shut down drinking water inspections, air quality monitoring, and site cleanups — programs he described as essential to public health and safety.

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