The Michigan Senate has overwhelmingly approved bills to strip local governments of authority to issue gravel mine permits. The bills would give permitting
Credit Adobe Stock
Supporters and opponents of bills to remove local control over gravel mines testified at a hearing in the state Senate Thursday.
The bills would have the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy approve or deny permits, instead of villages, townships and cities.
The sponsor of the bills, Democratic Senator Jim Ananich, admitted there were no gravel mines in his district. He also said he had not met with township officials while the bill was being drafted. I should have reached out to townships and others ahead of time, he testified. But Ananich said he thinks the bills are necessary even if townships can t support them.