MI SB0654

Creates a 9-member Environmental Science Advisory Board within the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget, with members appointed by the governor for 3-year terms (with staggered initial terms of 1, 2, and 3 years).

Board members must have expertise in engineering, environmental science, economics, chemistry, geology, physics, biology, medicine, statistics, risk assessment, or other appropriate disciplines; current legislators and state/federal employees are ineligible.

Board advises the governor and specified state agencies on environmental protection and natural resource management issues based on objective reasoning, sound science, and factors such as risk assessment, federal/other state practices, and economic reasonableness.

Board cannot review or advise on permit, license, or environmental impact statement applications, recommendations, or decisions; advice is not legally binding.

Board operates under open meetings requirements and freedom of information laws; members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses; state agencies must cooperate with board requests for information and participation.