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HB 6110

Environmental protection: recycling and waste utilization; recycled materials policy; require department to create. Amends 1951 PA 51 (MCL 247.651 - 247.675) by adding sec. 1k.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Alabas Farhat and 1 co-sponsor

MDOT must adopt a policy to prioritize recycled highway materials from state trunk lines, supported by research and rules, to reduce waste and costs while preserving safety.

bill electronically reproduced 11/14/2024
#environmentalprotection:recyclingandwasteutilization #stateagencies(existing):transportation
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Bill Summary · HB 6110

Summary of HB 6110 (Michigan)

Overview

House Bill 6110 proposes an amendment to 1951 PA 51 (the transportation code) by adding a new Section 1k. The core intent is for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to adopt a policy that promotes recycling of materials removed from the state trunk line highway system during repair, reconstruction, and maintenance. The bill emphasizes preferring recycled materials when sound engineering, environmental, and economic considerations justify it, and it establishes a framework for evaluation, research, and potential rulemaking.

What the bill does

  • Requires MDOT to adopt a policy (subject to other applicable sections) that encourages recycling of highway-derived materials from the state trunk line system.
  • Establishes a set of guiding principles for material recycling (see below).
  • Allows MDOT to conduct research, field trials, and demonstration projects focused on recycling highway materials.
  • Authorizes MDOT to promulgate rules to implement the section under the Administrative Procedures Act.
  • Defines “material” to include any highway construction material, such as aggregates.

Key Provisions (Section 1k)

  1. Policy requirements (subject to Sections 1h and 1i)

    • (a) Use recycled materials when it makes sound engineering, environmental, and economic sense.
    • (b) Recycled materials should receive first consideration in material selection.
    • (c) Initial review must assess engineering and environmental suitability, followed by an assessment of economic benefits.
    • (d) Specifications should not prohibit or require the use of recycled materials without an engineering basis.
    • (e) Recycled materials should be preferred, but a material should not be chosen if it would adversely affect performance, safety, or environmental impact compared with a suitable alternative.

  2. Research and demonstration

    • MDOT may perform research, field trials, and demonstration projects focusing on recycling materials removed from the state trunk line highway system.

  3. Rulemaking

    • MDOT may promulgate rules to implement this section under the Administrative Procedures Act.

  4. Definition

    • “Material” includes any highway construction material, including aggregates.

Who is Affected

  • Primarily the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and state transportation construction programs.
  • Contractors and suppliers involved in highway repair, reconstruction, and maintenance.
  • Potentially other state agencies as policy implementation may interact with procurement and material specifications.

Implementation Timeline & Process

  • The bill establishes policy direction and potential rulemaking but does not itself appropriate funds.
  • Implementation would involve MDOT adopting the policy, conducting research or pilots, and issuing implementing rules under the APA.
  • References to sections 1h and 1i indicate alignment with existing policy/testing and procurement processes.

Legislative Status (as of provided data)

  • Introduced: November 14, 2024 (House)
  • Referred to Committee: Regulatory Reform
  • Subsequent action listed: January 22, 2025, with a reference indicating referral to the Joint Committee on Housing (per docket) after introduction.

Potential Impact

  • Environmental and economic benefits from increased reuse of highway materials.
  • Potential cost savings and waste reduction for MDOT and suppliers.
  • Need to balance recycling with safety, performance, and environmental standards; may entail new testing, specifications, and required data from field trials.
  • Possible longer lead times for rulemaking and procurement adjustments during implementation.

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

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