By Jamie A. Hope
Michigan Capitol Confidential
More than 10 agriculture professionals alleged bullying, intimidation and harassment by state environmental officials at a recent hearing.
Agricultural professionals who have had run-ins with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) descended on the Capitol on March 18, some with tractors in tow, to air their grievances.
The environmental agency has strangled the state’s food and farming industry, according to testimony in the over three-hour hearing of the House Oversight Committee.
The consensus among those who testified is that state environment workers they’ve encountered are hostile and unprofessional. On more than one occasion, testimonies included allegations of bullying, staff making up ad hoc rules, and incompetence.
People from various industries that rely on the state environmental agency for permits had strong words about how they have been treated in recent years.
Rep. Luke Meerman, R-Coopersville, told the committee that he heard from constituents who wanted to testify but feared retaliation.
“Their voices are essentially silenced over concern with their livelihood,” Meerman said in an email to Michigan Capitol Confidential.
Interactions with the environmental agency are so burdensome that farmers are hiring consultants to help, Meerman said, adding, “Many farmers don’t see a future for themselves in agriculture because of this department.”
Michigan Capitol Confidential reported that one international company, according to testimony, shut its operations in the state. Dan Meccariello, vice president of operations for Generate Upcycle, alleged harassment by field staff and senior management.
James DeYoung, an agricultural consultant, testified that in previous years there was more of a cooperative relationship with the environmental agency, which provided farmers notice of inspections, sometimes weeks in advance. That began to change a few years ago.
The agency now does surprise inspections, DeYoung told the committee. This means that the farmers, who often have time-sensitive operations, must accommodate inspectors who can take 4-to-7 hours on the premises.
Inspectors pursue monitoring wells on agricultural property without any evidence of groundwater contamination, DeYoung noted. This means an industry already facing costly regulations will incur more costs.
Dawn Crandall, vice president of government relations for the Home Builders Association of Michigan, also testified, telling lawmakers about home builders’ run-ins with EGLE. She made note of the expenses environmental regulations add to the cost of new construction.
Regulatory costs due to permitting, according to the National Association of Homebuilders, add $94,000 to the cost of a new home nationally, Crandall said. The average price of a new home in the state is $430,566.
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy did not respond to an email seeking comment.
Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.
Michigan Capitol Confidential
More than 10 agriculture professionals alleged bullying, intimidation and harassment by state environmental officials at a recent hearing.
Agricultural professionals who have had run-ins with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) descended on the Capitol on March 18, some with tractors in tow, to air their grievances.
The environmental agency has strangled the state’s food and farming industry, according to testimony in the over three-hour hearing of the House Oversight Committee.
The consensus among those who testified is that state environment workers they’ve encountered are hostile and unprofessional. On more than one occasion, testimonies included allegations of bullying, staff making up ad hoc rules, and incompetence.
People from various industries that rely on the state environmental agency for permits had strong words about how they have been treated in recent years.
Rep. Luke Meerman, R-Coopersville, told the committee that he heard from constituents who wanted to testify but feared retaliation.
“Their voices are essentially silenced over concern with their livelihood,” Meerman said in an email to Michigan Capitol Confidential.
Interactions with the environmental agency are so burdensome that farmers are hiring consultants to help, Meerman said, adding, “Many farmers don’t see a future for themselves in agriculture because of this department.”
Michigan Capitol Confidential reported that one international company, according to testimony, shut its operations in the state. Dan Meccariello, vice president of operations for Generate Upcycle, alleged harassment by field staff and senior management.
James DeYoung, an agricultural consultant, testified that in previous years there was more of a cooperative relationship with the environmental agency, which provided farmers notice of inspections, sometimes weeks in advance. That began to change a few years ago.
The agency now does surprise inspections, DeYoung told the committee. This means that the farmers, who often have time-sensitive operations, must accommodate inspectors who can take 4-to-7 hours on the premises.
Inspectors pursue monitoring wells on agricultural property without any evidence of groundwater contamination, DeYoung noted. This means an industry already facing costly regulations will incur more costs.
Dawn Crandall, vice president of government relations for the Home Builders Association of Michigan, also testified, telling lawmakers about home builders’ run-ins with EGLE. She made note of the expenses environmental regulations add to the cost of new construction.
Regulatory costs due to permitting, according to the National Association of Homebuilders, add $94,000 to the cost of a new home nationally, Crandall said. The average price of a new home in the state is $430,566.
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy did not respond to an email seeking comment.
Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.
Swartz Announces Second Congressional Run
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
A Kalamazoo attorney who came up short in her bid to defeat U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, in last November’s election is making another run for the congressman’s seat.
Democrat Jessica Swartz, who is associate general counsel for Western Michigan University, announced last week that she would challenge Huizenga in the 2026 Fourth Congressional District race.
“I’m focused on bringing down costs for our families, safeguarding Social Security and Medicare, and creating good-paying jobs right here in West and Southwest Michigan,” Swartz said in a post on her X social media account.
The Fourth Congressional District includes the southern portion of Ottawa County, all of Allegan and Van Buren counties and portions of Berrien, Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties.
Huizenga, who has served in Congress since January 2011, was elected to his seventh two-year term last November, capturing 55.1 percent of the vote to Swartz’s 43.4 percent.
Huizenga currently serves as vice chair of the House Financial Services Committee, and also serves on the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions, the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence, and the newly created Monetary Policy, Treasury Market Resilience, and Economic Prosperity Task Force.
Swartz has been assistant general counsel at WMU since January 2017. Before that, she was staff attorney at the Battle Creek Veterans Administration Medical Hospital and was an appellate attorney for the Department of Veterans Affairs. She is also a local Girl Scout leader.
Swartz is a graduate of Michigan State University, where she was a member of the women’s rowing team, and the American University Washington College of Law.
Zeeland Record
A Kalamazoo attorney who came up short in her bid to defeat U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, in last November’s election is making another run for the congressman’s seat.
Democrat Jessica Swartz, who is associate general counsel for Western Michigan University, announced last week that she would challenge Huizenga in the 2026 Fourth Congressional District race.
“I’m focused on bringing down costs for our families, safeguarding Social Security and Medicare, and creating good-paying jobs right here in West and Southwest Michigan,” Swartz said in a post on her X social media account.
The Fourth Congressional District includes the southern portion of Ottawa County, all of Allegan and Van Buren counties and portions of Berrien, Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties.
Huizenga, who has served in Congress since January 2011, was elected to his seventh two-year term last November, capturing 55.1 percent of the vote to Swartz’s 43.4 percent.
Huizenga currently serves as vice chair of the House Financial Services Committee, and also serves on the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions, the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence, and the newly created Monetary Policy, Treasury Market Resilience, and Economic Prosperity Task Force.
Swartz has been assistant general counsel at WMU since January 2017. Before that, she was staff attorney at the Battle Creek Veterans Administration Medical Hospital and was an appellate attorney for the Department of Veterans Affairs. She is also a local Girl Scout leader.
Swartz is a graduate of Michigan State University, where she was a member of the women’s rowing team, and the American University Washington College of Law.
Huizenga Introduces Youth Sports Facilities Bill
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, and U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Tex., have announced the introduction of the bipartisan and bicameral Youth Sports Facilities Act.
This bipartisan bill amends Title II of the Public Works and Economic Development Act to add Youth Sports Facilities to the list of eligible uses of Economic Development Assistance grants. This will help build and improve youth sports facilities across the nation, increase tourism, and strengthen small business.
“The Youth Sports Facilities Act is a bipartisan solution designed to bring communities together, create economic opportunity, and improve the physical and mental well-being of students across the nation,” Huizenga said. “For too long, an area code has determined whether students could have access to facilities or resources necessary to participate and compete.
“I am proud to champion the Youth Sports Facilities Act because it opens the doors for communities across Michigan and around the country to create new opportunities for children to develop critical skills, enhance local tourism, and foster small business growth.”
“Youth development is about more than academics—it’s about access to safe spaces where kids can play, grow, and thrive,” said Veasey, who is co-chair of the Youth Sports Caucus. “This bill empowers states like Texas to invest in the sports and recreation facilities our communities need. By unlocking EDA funding, the Youth Sports Facilities Act gives underserved areas the tools to build healthier futures and stronger local economies.”
A companion bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sens. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga. and Todd Young, R-Ind.
This legislation is also endorsed by several national and local stakeholders.
“As the leading nonprofit provider of youth sports programs, YMCA of the USA supports the Youth Sports Facilities Act,” said Jeffrey Britt, chief government affairs officer for the YMCA of the USA.
“Youth sports facilities often lead to growth in local economies as families attend sporting events, support local business, hotels and restaurants. Youth sports programs create a space for families and the community to belong, improve health outcomes and strengthen the fabric of the economy and the community.”
Mike Guswiler, president of the West Michigan Sports Commission, also supports the Huizenga-Veasey legislation.
"The West Michigan Sports Commission was founded in 2007 as an economic generator to spur visitor spending for the region,” Guswiler said. “One of its key tenets is generating overnight stays from event visitors, which drives spending in area hotels, restaurants, and support of other businesses, sustaining and creating jobs. However, sports tourism and investment in sport facilities goes beyond these metrics. Investment in sport infrastructure provides a launching pad for health and wellness, vibrancy, and community activity and access to sport."
The Economic Development Administration was created to assist state and local stakeholders with developing the conditions and amenities to grow businesses, create jobs, and expand investment in economically distressed areas. Allowing communities to access federal grants to build youth sports facilities will lead to better health outcomes for future generations of children. Not only do youth sports encourage athletic growth and teamwork, but they also create significant economic impact by attracting events and visitors to the community.
The Youth Sports Facility Act is supported by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, the YMCA, the National Federation of High Schools, the American College of Sports Medicine, U.S. Soccer, the NHL, the PWHL, USA Hockey, Pop Warner Little Scholars, the Michigan Sports Commission, and the National Recreation and Parks Association.
This bipartisan bill amends Title II of the Public Works and Economic Development Act to add Youth Sports Facilities to the list of eligible uses of Economic Development Assistance grants. This will help build and improve youth sports facilities across the nation, increase tourism, and strengthen small business.
“The Youth Sports Facilities Act is a bipartisan solution designed to bring communities together, create economic opportunity, and improve the physical and mental well-being of students across the nation,” Huizenga said. “For too long, an area code has determined whether students could have access to facilities or resources necessary to participate and compete.
“I am proud to champion the Youth Sports Facilities Act because it opens the doors for communities across Michigan and around the country to create new opportunities for children to develop critical skills, enhance local tourism, and foster small business growth.”
“Youth development is about more than academics—it’s about access to safe spaces where kids can play, grow, and thrive,” said Veasey, who is co-chair of the Youth Sports Caucus. “This bill empowers states like Texas to invest in the sports and recreation facilities our communities need. By unlocking EDA funding, the Youth Sports Facilities Act gives underserved areas the tools to build healthier futures and stronger local economies.”
A companion bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sens. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga. and Todd Young, R-Ind.
This legislation is also endorsed by several national and local stakeholders.
“As the leading nonprofit provider of youth sports programs, YMCA of the USA supports the Youth Sports Facilities Act,” said Jeffrey Britt, chief government affairs officer for the YMCA of the USA.
“Youth sports facilities often lead to growth in local economies as families attend sporting events, support local business, hotels and restaurants. Youth sports programs create a space for families and the community to belong, improve health outcomes and strengthen the fabric of the economy and the community.”
Mike Guswiler, president of the West Michigan Sports Commission, also supports the Huizenga-Veasey legislation.
"The West Michigan Sports Commission was founded in 2007 as an economic generator to spur visitor spending for the region,” Guswiler said. “One of its key tenets is generating overnight stays from event visitors, which drives spending in area hotels, restaurants, and support of other businesses, sustaining and creating jobs. However, sports tourism and investment in sport facilities goes beyond these metrics. Investment in sport infrastructure provides a launching pad for health and wellness, vibrancy, and community activity and access to sport."
The Economic Development Administration was created to assist state and local stakeholders with developing the conditions and amenities to grow businesses, create jobs, and expand investment in economically distressed areas. Allowing communities to access federal grants to build youth sports facilities will lead to better health outcomes for future generations of children. Not only do youth sports encourage athletic growth and teamwork, but they also create significant economic impact by attracting events and visitors to the community.
The Youth Sports Facility Act is supported by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, the YMCA, the National Federation of High Schools, the American College of Sports Medicine, U.S. Soccer, the NHL, the PWHL, USA Hockey, Pop Warner Little Scholars, the Michigan Sports Commission, and the National Recreation and Parks Association.
Michigan 4-H License Plate Available
Michigan drivers can now purchase this 4-H license plate to support the organization’s youth programs.
Photo courtesy Michigan State University Extension
Photo courtesy Michigan State University Extension
Michigan drivers have a new way to show their 4-H pride while supporting 4-H youth development programming: through the purchase of the newly released Michigan 4-H license plate.
Available at the Michigan Secretary of State, the plate prominently displays the signature 4-H clover. Part of the proceeds from every sale and renewal will go to support Michigan 4-H youth.
“We are elated that the Michigan 4-H license plate is officially here,” said Quentin Tyler, director of Michigan State University Extension, which is home to the Michigan 4-H program. “We hope the many members of our Michigan 4-H community – youth, parents, alumni and supporters – will consider supporting 4-H by purchasing a plate as they renew their licenses this year.”
Similar to other special cause fundraising license plates in the state, the Michigan 4-H license plate will cost $35, with $25 of the purchase fee benefiting Michigan 4-H Youth Development. A $10 fee will also be charged to benefit Michigan 4-H when the plate is renewed.
License plates may be ordered by visiting Michigan.gov/sos, by mailing in a form or scheduling a visit to any Secretary of State office. The plate will be delivered by mail in two to three weeks.
“We are thrilled the day has arrived that we can order our own Michigan 4-H license plate,” Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees President Andrew Walker said.
The foundation, MSU Extension’s nonprofit philanthropic partner that supports Michigan 4-H, is serving as the fiduciary agent for the license plate.
“We can’t wait to see the clover on thousands of cars across the state, elevating visibility of the Michigan 4-H program while also generating additional support for it’s critical programs,” Walker said.
Last year, Michigan 4-H reached more than 137,000 young people through hands-on learning experiences that allow youth to explore their passions and interests while growing confidence, life skills and a sense of responsibility. The program operates in every county in the state and is available to youth ages 5 to 19.
“The Michigan 4-H license plate will benefit our program in many ways, from increased funding to increased awareness,” Tyler said.
To learn more about the Michigan 4-H license plate, visit extension.msu.edu/4-HPlate. To learn more about Michigan 4-H, visit canr.msu.edu/4h. To learn more about the Michigan 4-H Foundation, visit mi4hfdtn.org.
Available at the Michigan Secretary of State, the plate prominently displays the signature 4-H clover. Part of the proceeds from every sale and renewal will go to support Michigan 4-H youth.
“We are elated that the Michigan 4-H license plate is officially here,” said Quentin Tyler, director of Michigan State University Extension, which is home to the Michigan 4-H program. “We hope the many members of our Michigan 4-H community – youth, parents, alumni and supporters – will consider supporting 4-H by purchasing a plate as they renew their licenses this year.”
Similar to other special cause fundraising license plates in the state, the Michigan 4-H license plate will cost $35, with $25 of the purchase fee benefiting Michigan 4-H Youth Development. A $10 fee will also be charged to benefit Michigan 4-H when the plate is renewed.
License plates may be ordered by visiting Michigan.gov/sos, by mailing in a form or scheduling a visit to any Secretary of State office. The plate will be delivered by mail in two to three weeks.
“We are thrilled the day has arrived that we can order our own Michigan 4-H license plate,” Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees President Andrew Walker said.
The foundation, MSU Extension’s nonprofit philanthropic partner that supports Michigan 4-H, is serving as the fiduciary agent for the license plate.
“We can’t wait to see the clover on thousands of cars across the state, elevating visibility of the Michigan 4-H program while also generating additional support for it’s critical programs,” Walker said.
Last year, Michigan 4-H reached more than 137,000 young people through hands-on learning experiences that allow youth to explore their passions and interests while growing confidence, life skills and a sense of responsibility. The program operates in every county in the state and is available to youth ages 5 to 19.
“The Michigan 4-H license plate will benefit our program in many ways, from increased funding to increased awareness,” Tyler said.
To learn more about the Michigan 4-H license plate, visit extension.msu.edu/4-HPlate. To learn more about Michigan 4-H, visit canr.msu.edu/4h. To learn more about the Michigan 4-H Foundation, visit mi4hfdtn.org.
AAA: Michigan Gas Prices Down 15 Cents
Gas prices in Michigan are down 15 cents from last week, according to AAA of Michigan.
Michigan drivers are now paying an average of $3.08 per gallon for regular unleaded. This price is 8 cents more than this time last month but still 62 cents less than this time last year.
Motorists are paying an average of $46 for a full 15-gallon tank of gasoline; a discount of about $11 from 2024's highest price last July.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased from 8.49 barrels per day to 8.42. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 237.6 million barrels to 236.0. Gasoline production decreased, averaging 8.9 million barrels per day.
At the close of last Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose $2.77 to settle at $62.35 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 2.6 million barrels from the previous week.
At 442.3 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 5 percent below the five-year average for this time of year.
The least expensive gas prices are in Traverse City ($2.97), Flint ($3.02) and Grand Rapids ($3.03). The most expensive gas was in Ann Arbor ($3.16), Metro Detroit ($3.11) and Marquette ($3.11).
Daily national, state, and metro gas price averages can be found at Gasprices.aaa.com.
Michigan drivers are now paying an average of $3.08 per gallon for regular unleaded. This price is 8 cents more than this time last month but still 62 cents less than this time last year.
Motorists are paying an average of $46 for a full 15-gallon tank of gasoline; a discount of about $11 from 2024's highest price last July.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased from 8.49 barrels per day to 8.42. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 237.6 million barrels to 236.0. Gasoline production decreased, averaging 8.9 million barrels per day.
At the close of last Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose $2.77 to settle at $62.35 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 2.6 million barrels from the previous week.
At 442.3 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 5 percent below the five-year average for this time of year.
The least expensive gas prices are in Traverse City ($2.97), Flint ($3.02) and Grand Rapids ($3.03). The most expensive gas was in Ann Arbor ($3.16), Metro Detroit ($3.11) and Marquette ($3.11).
Daily national, state, and metro gas price averages can be found at Gasprices.aaa.com.
