Opinion ID: 848681
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: mepa

Text: The people of Michigan through the 1963 Constitution expressly directed the Legislature to provide for the protection of the environment. The Constitution provides: The conservation and development of the natural resources of the state are hereby declared to be of paramount public concern in the interest of the health, safety and general welfare of the people. The legislature shall provide for the protection of the air, water and other natural resources of the state from pollution, impairment and destruction. [1963 Const. 1963, art. 4, § 52.] As part of its fulfillment of this mandatory constitutional duty, the Legislature enacted the Michigan environmental protection act (MEPA). State Hwy. Comm. v. Vanderkloot, 392 Mich. 159, 183, 220 N.W.2d 416 (1974). [8] Having determined that [n]ot every public agency proved to be diligent and dedicated defenders of the environment, the Legislature through MEPA has provided a sizable share of the initiative for environmental law enforcement for that segment of society most directly affected  the public. Ray, supra at 305, 224 N.W.2d 883, and Eyde, supra . As this Court previously noted, this citizen-suit provision of MEPA signals a dramatic change from the practice where the important task of environmental law enforcement was left to administrative agencies without the opportunity for participation of individuals or groups of citizens. Ray, supra at 305, 224 N.W.2d 883. MEPA broadly defines who can sue to protect the environment by providing: The attorney general or any person [ [9] ] may maintain an action in the circuit court having jurisdiction where the alleged violation occurred or is likely to occur for declaratory and equitable relief against any person for the protection of the air, water, and other natural resources and the public trust in these resources from pollution, impairment, or destruction. [MCL 324.1701(1)(emphasis added).] This Court has explained that MEPA creates an independent cause of action, granting standing to private individuals to maintain actions in circuit court for declaratory and other equitable relief against anyone for the protection of Michigan's environment. Eyde, supra at 454, 225 N.W.2d 1. Indeed, this Court has held that this language confers standing on any person. Ray, supra 304-305, 224 N.W.2d 883.