2002 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Issued March 11, 1993

Commission Policy No. 1043 Dated:  September 13, 1985

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Michigan's Constitution declares:

The conservation and development of the natural resources of the State are hereby declared to be of paramount public concern in the interest of the health, safety and general welfare of the people.  The Legislature shall provide for the protection of the air, water and other natural resources of the State from pollution, impairment and destruction.

A primary goal of the Department of Natural Resources is to maintain or enhance environmental quality for the benefit of existing and future generations.  The primary avenue to attain that goal is through administration of the laws which have been enacted to protect the public health and the environment.  During the initial stages of formulating rules and throughout the regulatory process, it is important to consider all information relative to the impact a proposed rule or decision may have on environmental quality and economic development.  While recognizing the Department's responsibility to administer laws protecting the environment, early discussions can help reduce the potential for conflict between Michigan's environmental and economic goals.  A healthy, growing economy and a quality environment can be compatible, and in fact, mutually supportive.  With Michigan's varied, outstanding natural resources and its large industrial base, it is paramount that conflicts between the economy and the environment be resolved consistent with the public interest.

The Department of Natural Resources has the vital role in State government of both protecting the environment and promoting the wise utilization of Michigan's natural resources.  Its decisions will reflect this role.  The Department shall consider protection and enhancement of the natural environment for the public trust as its primary responsibility.  Vigorous support will be given to all measures needed to protect and enhance the State's environmental quality.  However, while always assuming the lead role in achieving environmental protection, the Department shall be cognizant of the public need for economic development when making program and regulatory decisions.  Innovative methods shall be vigorously sought for concurrently maximizing benefits for both environmental and economic interests.

The Department shall encourage the early involvement of interested citizens and organizations in the regulatory process.  The Department shall employ methods to encourage involvement which permit interactive dialogue whenever possible.  Consistent with the environmental statute being administered, the Department shall consider information which describes the effect a proposed rule or decision may have on environmental quality, public health, or the feasibility of meeting the new requirements.  The Department shall insure to the extent possible that the information it considers in the decision-making process shall be based on sound scientific research and/or principles.  To the extent possible, the Department shall utilize its own research capabilities and information provided by the colleges and universities in Michigan and/or the United States in its decision-making process.

This information shall be recognized during the initial states of formulating rules and throughout the regulatory process.  The Department shall determine when a formal evaluation of economic impacts is needed, and shall coordinate the development and review of the economic impact information.  In addition, the Department shall give adequate opportunity throughout the regulatory process for those impacted to advance specific economic arguments concerning environmental controls.

Recognizing practical and economic considerations during the administrative rule-making process, the Department shall: (1) explain the need for new environmental controls including those which exceed federal standards; (2) assure evaluation of alternatives for the environmental control being proposed; and (3) assess how others accomplish similar control.  Information in each of the above areas shall be presented by the Department to the appropriate decision bodies.

The Department shall review the implementation of this policy periodically and report its findings to the Natural Resources Commission.