DNR & DEQ Split Again

Governor Rick Snyder’s executive order abolishing the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment takes effect today.

This separates the DNR and DEQ once again.

Former Governor Jennifer Granholm combined the two agencies 18 months ago in an effort to streamline government, improve efficiencies and cut costs.

The two agencies were first split by Governor John Engler in 1995.

While Snyder says he’s also pursuing efficiencies and cost–saving measures, he says he also wants to again allow for separate directors for each department, focusing on specialized goals unique to their agencies.

Dan Wyant is the new DEQ director.

He served as director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture under both Granholm and Engler.

Rodney Stokes is the new director of the DNR.

He’s been working for the d–n–r since 1977.