MI SB0439

Requires state departments administering programs under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to complete benchmark analyses or independent external peer reviews of their programs, with at least 2 reviews completed by February 1, 2010, and annually thereafter until all programs are reviewed.

Mandates the Department of Environmental Quality specifically complete reviews of the Part 201 remediation program and Part 31 NPDES program by February 1, 2010, with reviewers selected by June 1, 2009.

Requires reviews to include calculation of per-permit processing costs, timeliness assessment from application to permit approval/denial, customer service evaluation, environmental impact review, and comparison of Part 31 and Part 201 program performance to other Great Lakes states.

Creates a 7-member NREPA Program Review Panel within the Department of Environmental Quality, comprising 2 House-appointed members, 2 Senate-appointed members, and 3 Governor-appointed members representing permit holders, business, agencies, and the general public.

Establishes the review panel to meet at least quarterly and assist with developing frameworks for benchmark analyses and peer reviews; panel members serve 4-year terms without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses, with the panel dissolved effective July 1, 2014.