By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
LANSING, MI –
A bill awaiting Governor Rick Snyder's signature would prevent state departments from imposing rules and regulations that are more stringent than federal rules. The measure would require the Legislature to approve any stricter regulations.
Hugh McDiarmid is with the Michigan Environmental Council. He says the Republican proposal is contrary to the ideology of lawmakers who want to limit the scope of federal control.
"There are a lot of folks in the Legislature who are champions of states' rights and don't want federal control over Michigan's affairs, but this bill says okay we'll go to the federal standards unless the Legislature really wants to change it, that's fine with us,'" McDiarmid says. "So to me that is ironic and a little bit strange."
Supporters of the measure say stiffer regulations at the state level make Michigan less competitive in attracting businesses. Governor Rick Snyder's spokesperson says the governor has many concerns about the legislation. It could be the first bill Governor Snyder vetoes.