DNR and DEQ Merged Again

The Michigan DNR and DEQ used to be under the same roof.

And come next January, they will be again.

Governor Jennifer Granholm has merged the 2 state agencies in an executive order.

She re-combined the 2 departments earlier today.

They used to be one and the same until Granholm’s predecessor as governor, John Engler, separated them.

The order takes effect January 17th.

The new, merged agency will be the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

Granholm’s executive order gives her the right to appoint the new department’s director without needing the approval of the Natural Resources Commission first, which is how it’s currently done.

The governor will also have the right to appoint the state Agriculture Director without needing Commission of Agriculture approval.