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MMA ’ s Manufacturing Agenda
Environmental & Regulatory Policy
Protecting human health and the environment while maintaining a competitive state regulatory system
A healthy regulatory environment is essential for a competitive Michigan . As the largest sector of the economy , manufacturers find themselves challenged to comply with the heaviest regulatory burden of any sector . The costs of compliance and the fees associated with permits , audits , and inspections add to these regulatory burdens . Manufacturers are some of the largest payers of regulatory fees in Michigan and increased costs mean a less competitive business climate .
Over the past decade , state government has eliminated more than 3,000 outdated rules across all state agencies thanks to conversations with MMA and other stakeholders . Through this effort , Michigan regulations are more closely aligned with existing federal standards and those of other states .
However , as we deal with emerging chemicals such as PFAS , lead , and other challenges , MMA is actively engaging with legislators and state regulators to ensure that any new rules or legislation focus on clarity , consistency , and certainty in compliance standards to assure the most efficient use of environmental protection dollars while also protecting Michigan ’ s economic competitiveness achieved over the past 10 years .
MMA Leading International Pollutant Transport Study on Ozone
MMA partnered with the Michigan Department of Environment , Great Lakes , and Energy ( EGLE ) in a unique field study on international transport affecting ozone and secured several interested partners , locally , nationally , and internationally and that brought additional funding support exceeding $ 2 million . Partners include :
• U . S . Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA )
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration ( NASA )
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA )
• Lake Michigan Air Directors Consortium ( LADCO )
• U . S . Forest Service
• Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Ontario Ministry of Environment , Conservation , and Parks
• University of Michigan
• Colorado State University
Our state must protect the environment and its economic competitiveness when moving forward with any new rules or regulations because these are not mutually exclusive goals . Recognizing this , MMA always works to be part of the solution to our state ’ s complex challenges and advocates on behalf of industry members around the state .
— Tanisha Sanders , Government Affairs & Communications , Waste Management , Williamston mimfg . org