"LANSING, Mich. — Republican lawmakers on Thursday blocked Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s bid to restructure the state environmental agency — the first time the full Legislature has rejected a gubernatorial executive order since 1977.
The GOP-led Senate voted 22-16 against the order along party lines, criticizing her attempt to abolish new rule-making and permitting panels, and to establish an “environmental justice” office without defining what the term means. The Republican-controlled House voted down the order last week.
“It’s disappointing to see the party of limited government vote for more government bureaucracy, but the governor remains undeterred,” said Whitmer spokeswoman Tiffany Brown. “She is committed to reorganizing this department so we clean up our drinking water and protect public health.”"
David Eggert reports for the Associated Press February 14, 2019.
