The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451) by updating definitions and clarifying terms related to environmental assessments and hazardous substances. Key insertions include the definitions of "Act of God," which pertains to unanticipated natural disasters, and "all appropriate inquiry," aligning it with federal regulations. The bill also modifies the definition of "agricultural property" and mandates that a "baseline environmental assessment" be conducted or updated within 45 days following property purchase, occupancy, or foreclosure. Additionally, it revises definitions for terms such as "cleanup criteria for unrestricted residential use," "facility," and "owner" to enhance clarity and compliance with environmental standards.

Furthermore, the bill removes outdated references to the Department of Environmental Quality, now referred to as the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. It clarifies the definition of "release" to encompass various forms of hazardous substance discharge while excluding specific scenarios like workplace exposure claims and certain nuclear material releases governed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The bill also updates legal references and ensures that the phrase "a person that is liable" does not imply that liability has been adjudicated. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of Senate Bill No. 739 from the 103rd Legislature.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 324.20101