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Bill

SB 305

Environmental protection: air pollution; civil and administrative fines; utilize to benefit communities affected by pollution. Amends 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.101 - 324.90106) by adding sec. 5534.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 6 co-sponsors

Michigan bill redirects air pollution fines to benefit polluted communities rather than general state revenue, addressing environmental justice through penalty reallocation.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
#environmentalprotection:airpollution #environmentalprotection:funding #environmentalprotection:pollutionprevention #stateagencies(existing):environment #greatlakes #andenergy
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Bill Summary · SB 305

Legislative bill overview

SB 305 amends Michigan's environmental protection law to redirect civil and administrative fines collected from air pollution violations toward benefiting communities affected by that pollution. The bill adds a new section (5534) to the 1994 Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, establishing a mechanism to use penalty revenue for community benefit purposes.

Why is this important

Air pollution fines currently flow into general state revenue, disconnected from remediation or support for affected residents. This bill creates a direct link between enforcement penalties and community relief, potentially addressing environmental justice concerns in areas bearing disproportionate pollution burdens. The approach recognizes that pollution-affected communities often lack resources to mitigate health and environmental harms.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue allocation mechanics: The bill doesn't specify how much revenue goes to affected communities versus other uses, or which communities qualify, leaving implementation details unclear
  • Definitional challenges: "Communities affected by pollution" requires defining geographic boundaries, pollution thresholds, and causation—complex determinations that could create legal disputes
  • Business concerns: Polluters argue higher effective penalties (fine + community benefit obligation) increase compliance costs and may discourage investment in some regions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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