MI HB4237

Removes county and township authority to regulate drilling, completion, and operation of oil and gas wells, and prohibits them from issuing permits related to the location, drilling, completion, operation, or abandonment of such wells.

Prohibits zoning ordinances from preventing extraction of valuable natural resources by mining unless very serious consequences would result, with natural resources considered valuable if extraction can generate revenue and operate at a profit.

Requires persons challenging zoning decisions to initially prove valuable natural resources exist on the property, demonstrate a market need, and show no very serious consequences would result from extraction.

Establishes standards from Silva v Ada Township (416 Mich 153, 1982) for determining "very serious consequences," including consideration of impacts on existing land uses, property values, traffic safety, and overall public interest in resource extraction.

Preserves local government authority to reasonably regulate hours of operation, blasting, noise levels, dust control, and traffic related to mining operations, provided such regulations accommodate customary mining practices.

Takes effect 90 days after enactment.