MI HB4977

School districts, intermediate school districts, and public school academies must conduct an environmental assessment of any site before acquiring it for school construction or before commencing construction on a previously acquired site.

The Department of Education must develop guidance in consultation with the Department of Environmental Quality regarding environmental assessments, including potential hazards such as air pollution, oil contamination, groundwater contamination, surface water pollution, safety hazards, noise, and odors.

Environmental assessment results must be publicly posted on the school's website and published in a newspaper of general circulation within 7 days of completion, followed by a mandatory 30-day public comment period and at least one public hearing.

If a site is identified as a "facility" with environmental contamination, a licensed professional engineer must attest that planned response activities or corrective actions will meet residential standards before construction can proceed.

The bill encourages schools to form siting committees, develop public engagement plans, ensure meaningful outreach to disadvantaged communities, and consider alternative sites if significant environmental health concerns are identified.