LANSING (WWJ/AP) - The Republican-led Michigan Senate has rejected Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's order to restructure the state environmental department - the first time lawmakers have outright blocked a governor's move in more than 40 years.
The chamber voted 22-16 Thursday, more than a week after the GOP-controlled House voted.
Republicans oppose portions of the order that would abolish a trio of new oversight panels that were given a regulatory role under 2018 laws and create a new office to investigate "environmental justice" complaints.
WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick says the rejection was an embarrassment for the new governor, who was advised against the executive Order.
"She basically turned a deaf ear," Skubick reported, "saying if you want to reject this executive order -- and they did."
So what happens now?
"Well, they'll go back to the drawing board," Skubick said. "My guess is all the parties will sit down and redraft an executive order that this time will not be rejected."
What's at issue: Whitmer said the commissions add too much bureaucracy to environmental rule-making and permitting, while Democrats and environmentalist also contend they give businesses too much sway.
Republicans counter that the panels have not had a chance to get going, and they give landowners, farmers and businesses an "equal footing" with overzealous regulators.
