Introduced
by
To expand the scope of the state water pollution law by defining ballast water discharged from ocean-going ships that contains harmful invasive or nuisance species as “pollution” subject to regulation by the state. Also, to authorize the establishment of a multi-state Great Lakes Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Coalition. The bill would require ocean ships stopping in Michigan ports to get a permit and treat ballast water to kill invasive species. (Michigan has no authority if a ship does not enter a port here.) SB 332 is the same bill.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Great Lakes, Land Use, and Environment
Reported without amendment
With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
Substitute offered
To replace the previous version of the bill with one that divides up its provisions with Senate Bill 332. HB 4603 would specify that the discharge of ballast water without a permit would be prima facie evidence of a violation of the law proposed by SB 332. Note: See important reductions in originally proposed Department of Environmental Quality powers in SB 332, April 26 Senate substitute.
The substitute passed by voice vote
Passed in the House 109 to 1 (details)
To specify that the discharge of ballast water by an ocean-going ship without a permit would be prima facie evidence of a violation of the law proposed by SB 332. Together, this bill and that one define ballast water discharges that contain harmful invasive or nuisance species as “pollution” subject to regulation; require ocean ships stopping in Michigan ports to get a permit; and require ships to demonstrate that they use environmentally sound methods to prevent these discharges.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
Reported without amendment
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
Amendment offered
by
To move back the date the bill goes into effect to January 1, 2007.
The amendment passed by voice vote
Passed in the Senate 38 to 0 (details)
To specify that the discharge of ballast water by an ocean-going ship without a permit would be prima facie evidence of a violation of the law proposed by SB 332. Together, this bill and that one define ballast water discharges that contain harmful invasive or nuisance species as “pollution” subject to regulation; require ocean ships stopping in Michigan ports to get a permit; and require ships to demonstrate that they use environmentally sound methods to prevent these discharges.
Passed in the House 105 to 1 (details)
To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.
