Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a new executive order to restructure the Department of Environmental Quality.
Last week the state Legislature overturned a similar order by Whitmer. But the major difference between the two is that the old order got rid of three controversial oversight panels. The new order keeps two of those panels.
Mary Brady-Enerson is the Michigan director for Clean Water Action.
“We believe that the reorganization will create a more responsive and transparent process for Michigan citizens. Really work to protect our drinking water, our Great Lakes.”
The order renames the DEQ to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. It also creates an environmental justice response team, and new offices like the Clean Water Public Advocate.