Forget the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
The new name for the state department charged with regulating and protecting environmental resources takes effect today.
It’s now the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), with the new name representing broader responsibility than held by the now-former MDEQ.
EGLE assumes many activities of the Michigan Agency for Energy though the creation of the new Office of Climate and Energy. The Office of the Great Lakes also moves from the Department of Natural Resources into EGLE.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the revamped department in February, one step in a wave of actions focused on drinking water and the environment.
It followed an initial plan rejected by the Republican-led Legislature because it eliminated three boards set up in year-end lame duck session. The approved version allowed elimination of the Environmental Science Advisory Board. The other two -- the Environmental Rules Review Committee and the Environmental Permit Review Commission - remain in place as the new department takes shape.
“It’s time to work together on policies that improve drinking water safety and protect our natural resources for all Michigan families,” Whitmer said at the time in a news release.
EGLE Director Liesl Clark debuted the new EGLE logo for employees last week at MDEQ’s main office in Lansing’s Constitution Hall.
“The 1,200 people from MDEQ, the Office of the Great Lakes, and Michigan Agency for Energy stand ready to unite on April 22 around a common purpose of protecting the state and its resources, including Michigan’s most important resource, its people,” Clark said. “EGLE’s shared mission will be built on a common foundation of protecting and conserving Michigan’s treasured resources and contributing to healthy and vibrant communities throughout the state.”
Among the changes under the reorganization, according to a news release:
- The creation of an Interagency Environmental Justice Response Team, which will assist in developing, implementing, and regularly updating a statewide environmental justice plan.
- The creation of an Environmental Justice Public Advocate position who will accept and investigate complaints and concerns related to environmental justice in Michigan.
- The creation of an Office of the Clean Water Public Advocate to accept and investigate complaints and concerns relating to drinking water quality.
Michigan's environmental oversight moves into a revamped and expanded department on Monday, April 22, 2019.
