MLCV Statement to the State House Appropriations Committee:

March 21, 2007 --

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee:

Thank you for this opportunity to share with you the Michigan League of Conservation Voter Education Fund’s deep concerns about the future of the DEQ’s funding in Michigan.

As the primary agency responsible for the protection of Michigan’s ecologically diverse environment and peerless natural beauty, it is paramount that the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality receives full funding for its FY 2008 budget.

The function of the DEQ in preserving Michigan’s globally unique natural resources is reflected in the projects which it both funds and manages. Any additional cuts to the DEQ budget would result in unacceptable delays in the execution of necessary programs and services.  By shortchanging the DEQ’s fully requested 2008 budget we run the risk of losing our ability to offer air and wetlands permits, in turn sending these programs to the Federal Government, resulting in longer review times and increased cost to business and industry. This would also slow the pace of economic development in our state.

The importance of the DEQ to the citizens of Michigan extends far beyond simply issuing permits.  Their work impacts Michigan’s residents in their everyday lives and their opportunities for conservation and recreation activities. The DEQ’s solid waste management, technical permit reviews, compliance monitoring, pollution prevention initiatives, and enforcement of Michigan’s environmental statutes plays an enormous role in defining the quality of life of every Michigander.  The actions of this committee will thus play a deciding role in whether that quality of life is positively or negatively impacted.

Almost ironically, due the sharp decline of the agency’s budget in recent years (which has drastically outpaced inflation), the DEQ has been forced to lean heavily upon a fee-based support system, which requires more internal resources, staff time, and additional costs to manage. 

While Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund is advocating for full funding the DEQ, it is important to note that an increase in DEQ funding would not be a shock to Michigan voters.  A recent EPIC poll found that fully 72% of respondents were surprised to discover how little funding the DEQ and similar agencies such as the DNR receive from the State (less than 1% of the General Fund).  In fact, voters overestimated the budget priorities of the state toward environmental programs by a factor of ten.  Surely there is room between the expectations of voters and the currently meager budget allocations to fully fund the DEQ’s budget this fiscal year.

The Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund is requesting that this committee put its fullest support behind the mission of the DEQ to “…protect and enhance Michigan’s environment and public health.”    For the sake of Michigan’s short- and long-term well-being, we ask that you support full passage of the DEQ’s FY 2008 budget in its entirety.