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Regulation restrictions repeal passes Michigan Senate

Michigan agencies could once again create government regulations tougher than federal standards. That's under a bill that passed the state Senate today [WED].

A 2018 law took away the state’s ability to do so—except in extreme circumstances.

Democratic Senator Sean McCann sponsored the bill to remove those limits. He says they had a “chilling effect” on the state’s ability to set environmental standards.

Senator McCann said, "And I expect that we feel a little more free to set standards now as we need to as things come along if necessary so that we’re protecting our environment and public health."

Critics say the proposed change would lead to a slew of new regulations that could hurt businesses.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives.

Colin Jackson is a reporter for the Michigan Public Radio Network.