MI SB0479

Establishes new environmental justice requirements for permits affecting "overburdened communities" - census block groups with median household income at or below 65% of statewide median and meeting thresholds for low-income households (35%+), minority residents (20%+), limited English proficiency (15%+), or including federally recognized tribal land

Requires permit applicants for facilities in overburdened communities to prepare an environmental justice impact assessment and hold a public hearing with at least 60 days notice before applications can be considered complete

Mandates the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to deny permits that would be "discriminatory" - causing or contributing to environmental or public health stressors higher than state or county levels - unless serving a compelling public interest with no less discriminatory alternative

Covers permits for stationary air pollution sources, sewage treatment plants over 50 million gallons/day, solid waste disposal facilities, hazardous waste facilities, concentrated animal feeding operations, scrap metal facilities, and mines under specified environmental regulatory parts

Repeals existing provisions (MCL 324.1313-324.1317) establishing the environmental permit review commission and requires the department to publish a list of overburdened communities within 120 days and promulgate implementing rules within 1 year