On October 8, 2009, Governor Granholm issued Executive Order 2009-45, “to consolidate state government functions related to the natural resources of the state within a new Department of  Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE).”  The new department, a merger between the DNR and the DEQ is an attempt by the Governor to create one department with the central focus of protecting the environment and conserving Michigan’s water resources.

By creating the DNRE, the Governor has also abolished a number of committees that, in the past, have reported to either the DNR or the DEQ.  The Site Review Board process is binge limited, the Citizens Committee for Michigan State Parks and the Water Resources Conservation Advisory Counsel are also abolished and instead will be transferred to the Natural Resources Commission.  However, the Director of the DNRE will, through the executive order, have the power to convene an Environmental Science Review Board.  The Science Review Board will be a seven member panel and will be largely comprised of scientists and engineers.  Their main function is to advise the DNRE on specific issues that affect the protection and management of the natural resources of the state.

Although the Executive order will take effect on January 17, 2010, the Bruce Rasher, the Transition Manager, must immediately initiate initial coordination efforts with the departments affected by the order. 

Please click here view the executive order.