The proposed bill aims to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by adding a new part focused on a statewide microplastics research and monitoring plan. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is tasked with developing this plan in collaboration with other state agencies and research institutions. The plan will assess the occurrence and impact of microplastics on human and animal health, the Great Lakes ecosystem, and drinking water supplies. It will also identify potential solutions to mitigate these impacts.

Key components of the plan include strategies for evaluating the ecological and economic effects of microplastics, methods for sampling and characterizing these materials, and a comprehensive list of baseline concentrations in the Great Lakes. The bill outlines the need for an annual update of long-term research objectives, an impact assessment framework, and recommendations for policy changes and public education. The Department is required to submit the plan to the legislature by July 1, 2026, and a report on its implementation by January 30, 2029, with the goal of adopting and implementing the plan by July 1, 2028, contingent on available funding.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 324.101, 324.90106