LANSING, Mich. — Republicans have taken another step toward overriding one of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's executive orders.
The order made several changes at the Department of Environmental Quality, including eliminating panels that give business groups more say over environmental rules. The Senate Majority Leader has told a committee to review the order and make a recommendation. The Governor calls it an irresponsible vote against clean drinking water. She said, "The drinking water of the people of Michigan, it is paramount. I'm taking action and I'm going to clean it up one way or another."
Republican lawmakers said they don't have a problem with the Governor restructuring the Department of Environmental Quality as the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, but they strongly oppose her decision to get rid of industry influence on panels that review environmental rules and permit decisions.
