Sen. John Proos recently introduced legislation in the Michigan Senate to reduce regulations and provide incentives for businesses that volunteer to become certified “environmental leaders” through qualifying environmental management programs.
Proos’ measure is part of a four-bill package that would create the Environmental Leaders Program within the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The legislation is aimed at reducing cumbersome regulations on job providers that choose to go above and beyond current state environmental requirements.
“From agriculture to tourism, our unique and bountiful southwest Michigan environment provides us with so many opportunities,” said Proos, R-St. Joseph. “I sponsored this initiative to incentivize Michigan businesses to become more environmentally responsible and help the state more efficiently use its limited resources.”
Under Senate Bills 939-942, becoming an environmental leader would be voluntary and would require significant time and investment, including operating in accordance with an approved environmental management standard and creating a pollution prevention program.
The bill was sent to committee for consideration.