HB 6564 Summary

• Establishes Part 324 to regulate offshore wind energy facilities in Michigan's Great Lakes, requiring leases and permits for site assessment, construction/operations, and decommissioning activities.

• Creates a comprehensive permitting process including public hearings, environmental reviews, and advisory council recommendations; restricts development in categorical exclusion areas (within 6 miles of shore) and conditional areas with competing uses.

• Requires lessees to maintain financial assurance, liability insurance, and submit detailed environmental and biological monitoring plans; establishes annual rent at $3.00/acre and 3% royalties on gross revenue from electricity generation.

• Establishes an offshore wind energy trust fund receiving royalty payments, with at least 70% directed to protect Great Lakes bottomlands and aquatic environment, 23% to renewable energy loans/grants, and up to 7% to regulatory costs.

• Creates an Offshore Wind Energy Advisory Council with representatives from state agencies, industries, and stakeholders to review permit applications; allows lease extensions of 10+ years and provides enforcement mechanisms including fines up to $10,000/day for violations.