Farmers, builders accuse state environmental agency of bullying and overreach

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 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,” said Meerman 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 four to seven 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 the environmental agency. 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.