State Rep. Doug Wozniak today introduced a bill protecting the rights of local citizens who live near oil or gas fields.

House Bill 4317 would restrict oil and gas drilling in Michigan’s most populated counties and require state agencies to abide by local ordinances when issuing permits. The bill is part of a two-bill package.

“Citizens’ concerns must be heard, and the state must listen to residents and the local governments that represent them when oil and gas companies seek permits in our cities and suburbs,” said Wozniak, of Shelby Township. “These common-sense protections will keep oil and gas wells from being drilled too closely to neighborhoods where they could seriously impact quality of life.”

State Rep. Kyra Bolden introduced the other bill in the package, House Bill 4318. Together the bills would bar the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality from issuing a drilling permit in counties with populations of 750,000 or more, with three exceptions:

• The proposed well is at least 2,000 feet from a residential building.
• The location and operation of the proposed well is in compliance with applicable local ordinances.
• The MDEQ has hosted a public hearing in the city, village or township in which the proposed well will be located and has considered the public’s input from that hearing.

The bills have been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation for further consideration.

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