LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The House Oversight Committee is focused on Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. This morning, agriculture workers and business owners from around the state spoke up about negative experiences they’ve had with the department.
Tractors circled the capitol while farmers gave testimony about unfair and inconsistent experiences they’d had with EGLE. In testimony, people talked about some of the citations they’d been given they felt were unfair. They shared stories about field agents interpreting situations differently, or even the same agent coming to different conclusions visit to visit, causing confusing and sometimes costly mistakes and fines.
In committee, A dairy farmer shared a story about receiving a violation for the extra 4-H cattle his children raised on a grass pasture, and a business owner discussed having to downsize in Michigan because of changing regulations and unclear communication from EGLE.
Aaron Bennett, a seed salesman with Becks Farms attended to support the other farmers.
“I would assume that EGLE, and the businesses, and I certainly know the American farmer, the Michigan farmer, wants what’s best for their stock and the environment. Somewhere there has become quite a disconnect between the regulatory agency and the producers.” Bennett said. “The disconnect between the regulatory agency and their agenda maybe it seems, as opposed to sound science, is a large disconnect and I hope we can bridge that gap and get on the same page and some mutual trust and some mutual understandings going forward.”
The farmers said they are looking for more consistency and a fair playing field for all farmers and business owners across the state, and to understand what the exact regulations are so they can continue to protect the environment and provide the good they’re farming. Some representatives said they don’t think new laws are needed to fix the issues, they hope EGLE will change their behavior without lawmakers stepping in.
