A state senate committee will consider legislation Thursday to recognize Michigan businesses that are “environmental leaders.”
But environmentalists say the bill actually makes it easier for companies to do the least required to meet environmental standards.
James Cliff is with the Michigan Environmental Council. He says the "environmental leaders program" will reward companies by giving them access to state contracts with less regulation and an early warning for inspections, without really requiring them to do very much in return.
"We think to the extent that you’re going to spend state resources to run a program like this," says Cliff, "Let’s really pick out those people who are leaders in our community.”
Supporters of the ‘environmental leaders program’ insist the legislation does require significant time and investment on the part of businesses to qualify.
