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HB 6274

Water supply: other; permit and license for water withdrawal for water bottling and water bottling royalties; provide for. Amends sec. 17 of 1976 PA 399 (MCL 325.1017) & adds sec. 17a.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Abraham Aiyash and 13 co-sponsors

Michigan bill requiring commercial water bottling operations to obtain permits and pay royalties to the state for Great Lakes water extraction.

bill electronically reproduced 12/10/2024
#environmentalprotection:permits #watersupply:other #watersupply:systems
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Bill Summary · HB 6274

Legislative bill overview

HB 6274 amends Michigan's water withdrawal regulations to require permits and licenses specifically for water bottling operations and establishes a royalty system for commercial water extraction. The bill modifies the 1976 Water Resources Protection Act, adding new provisions that would regulate how much water private companies can withdraw for bottling purposes and what fees they must pay to the state.

Why is this important

Water is a critical natural resource, and Michigan's Great Lakes contain approximately 21% of the world's fresh surface water. As commercial water bottling has grown nationally, states have grappled with whether private companies should extract public water resources for profit without compensation or strict limits. This bill directly addresses whether Michigan residents—as owners of the public trust—should receive financial benefit and environmental protection from commercial water extraction.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry costs vs. environmental protection: Water bottling companies argue permitting and royalties increase operational costs; environmental advocates argue current regulations don't adequately protect finite freshwater supplies
  • Royalty rate fairness: Disagreement over what constitutes fair compensation to the state—whether royalties should be nominal, market-rate, or premium-priced to discourage extraction
  • Permit criteria: Unclear whether permits will prioritize local water availability concerns, potentially limiting bottling operations in water-stressed regions versus allowing operations based solely on technical feasibility

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

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