Policy & Politics

GOAL: Reducing State/Federal Regulatory Barriers

CHAMBER MEMBERS ADVOCATE:

• Instill in the DNR/DEQ a new ethic where the agency treats all citizens as its customers with a professional, transparent and non-adversarial approach.
• Prohibit state agencies from promulgating rules more stringent than the federal standards unless specifically authorized by statute. Rescind or amend existing rules that impose significant costs on job providers with minimal benefits to the environment. Ensure that local ordinances related to environmental protection do not extend beyond state or federal standards.
• Require state agencies to implement reforms that help state government and business save money and reduce response times.
• Develop outcomes based management, with input from stakeholders, for regulatory programs. Agencies should be held accountable to achieve the established outcomes through metrics and online report cards.
• Support aggressive actions by Congress and state government to challenge excessive and unnecessary rules being promulgated and positions being taken by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

WHY? 

Michigan’s regulatory burden is negatively affecting economic growth. Job providers need predictable outcomes and prompt responses to be able to move forward with investments.  Delays of permit processing impose serious economic constraints on the ability of businesses to plan for their operations. In addition, state agencies have been unilaterally imposing standards beyond federal rules making Michigan less competitive with other states. Aggressive action must be taken to reduce Michigan’s regulatory burden to encourage job growth and investment in Michigan.

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