Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to include regulations on carbon sequestration in Michigan.

Highlights:

• Establishes an incentive program for the use of captured carbon dioxide substances (Sec. 502).

• Authorizes the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to sell carbon offset credits from public land under the following conditions (Sec. 502):

• Carbon offset credits must be verified by a third party; and

• Sale of carbon offset credits must allow for land management that is consistent with the Department’s land management plan.

• Establishes the forest management trust fund in the state treasury for the following purposes (Sec. 52509):

• Road infrastructure on state forest;

• Habitat management activities on state forest;

• Reforestation and other forest management activities to maintain the health of state forest; or

• Administration of carbon-related leasing programs.

• Prohibits the construction of carbon sequestration projects without a permit (Sec. 65102).

Full Bill Text