Since former Michigan governor Engler created the Department of Environmental Quality in 1995, environmental groups have clamored intermittently for creation of a citizens board to oversee its activities. The Michigan DNR has had a board, now known as the Natural Resources Commission, since its creation in 1921.
When Governor Granholm took office, dozens of environmental groups wrote to ask her to create such a board for DEQ. Reasons? Such a board can promote public confidence in the environmental decisionmaking process by providing a forum for concerned citizens, a buffer for the agency on sensitive issues, and a watchdog to make sure the laws are being faithfully executed and enforced.
The board does not yet exist, and the clamor has gone away.
Minnesota has such a board for its Pollution Control Agency. Yesterday there was an example of its function. It overrode a staff recommendation and called for more study of a proposed tire burning plant. Michigan, take notice.
http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/5204990.html
Posted by Dave at January 26, 2005 12:14 PM