Governor Granholm's Executive Order Abolishes DEQ and DNR and Creates New Department of Natural Resources and Environment
On October 8, 2009, Governor Granholm issued Executive Order 2009-45, abolishing the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and transferring the powers and functions of these agencies to a new Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE). The order takes effect on January 17, 2010. This move is part of the governor's effort to streamline state government and promote efficiency. The DNRE's mission will be "to conserve, manage, protect and promote Michigan's environmental, natural resource, and related economic interests for current and future generations." The DNRE director will be appointed by the governor. In the meantime, Governor Granholm has named Bruce Rasher as the transition manager, who is tasked with coordinating the transfer of functions from DNR and DEQ to the new DNRE. As this process unfolds, we will update this article with more detailed information.