TRAVERSE CITY, MI (AP) -- The future director of Michigan's Department of Environmental Quality is promising a new approach designed to protect natural resources without stifling economic growth.
Gov.-elect Rick Snyder named Dan Wyant this week to head the DEQ. Wyant previously served as director of the state agriculture department.
Wyant tells The Associated Press that he and Snyder believe in a cooperative approach that seeks partnerships between government, business and nonprofit groups. He says the new Republican administration will try to streamline a permitting process that critics say is too complex.
Another priority will be helping businesses and property owners comply with regulations instead of filing suits or criminal charges for non-compliance, although Wyant promised that laws will be
enforced.
Environmentalists say they hope Wyant will seek more funding for the DEQ and let staffers do their jobs.
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