MI HB5953

Establishes that natural resources of Michigan are held in public trust by the state and must be protected from pollution, impairment, and destruction for the benefit of current and future generations.

Declares the legislature has express duty under the state constitution to manage natural resources in the public interest and cannot cede this obligation to other entities.

Requires the Department of Natural Resources and Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to review existing rules within 180 days and promulgate new or revised rules within 1 year if necessary to protect the public trust in the state's waters, including groundwater.

Expands standing to sue for environmental protection by allowing "any person" (not just the attorney general) to bring actions in circuit court for declaratory relief, equitable relief, and other appropriate remedies against pollution or impairment of natural resources and public trust resources.

Removes the December 31, 2006 restriction on the department's authority to promulgate rules protecting water resources, allowing the department to continue adopting rules necessary to comply with federal water pollution control requirements.