Not Taking No For An Answer

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is moving forward with her plans to create the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

The governor signed the new executive order Wednesday to restructure the Department of Environmental Quality.

This follows the rejection of Whitmer’s previous executive order which was voted down by the Michigan legislature.

The new department will focus on improving the quality of Michigan’s air, land, and water, protecting public health, and encouraging the use of clean energy.

“Every Michigander deserves safe, clean drinking water, and I’m not going to let partisan politics slow down the important work that needs to get done right now to protect public health,” said Whitmer. “That’s why I’m taking action to sign this new executive order so we can start cleaning up our drinking water, protect the Great Lakes, and take action to address climate change.” 

The governor’s office says the new department will also serve as a full-time guardian of the Great Lakes, our freshwater, and our public water supplies.

EGLE will oversee the Offices of Climate and Energy, Clean Water Public Advocate, and Environmental Justice Public Advocate 

The order also eliminates the Environmental Science Advisory Board.

The Environmental Rules Review Committee and the Environmental Permit Review Commission will remain intact while the governor awaits a response from the Attorney General on the legality of these commissions.  

The new executive order must first be submitted to the legislature and would take affect after 60 days.