LANSING – State Representatives Jeff Mayes (D-Bay City) and Andy Neumann (D-Alpena) have introduced a bipartisan plan to streamline state government by transferring oversight of Michigan's storage tank program from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
"In these tough economic times, it's important that we find ways to cut costs and save money in the state budget," Mayes said. "By putting storage tank construction and maintenance under the authority of the Fire Marshal, we'll strengthen protections for Michigan residents while saving taxpayer dollars."
Currently, the DEQ has oversight jurisdiction over the construction and maintenance of storage tanks in Michigan. However, guidelines for storage tank programs consist primarily of code enforcement and fire safety issues. Environmental codes are rarely used, yet the DEQ is asked to administer the program, creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
Under the plan, the Fire Marshal's office would become responsible for regulatory activities and oversight of the construction, installation and maintenance of storage tanks. State Representative Ken Horn (R-Frankenmuth) is also a co-sponsor of the plan.
"This plan will move oversight of storage tanks to an agency that's much better prepared to handle the responsibility," said Neumann, who formerly served as the State Fire Marshal. "I urge my colleagues to support this plan that will save money and create a leaner, more responsive state government for our residents."