Bill Text: MI SR0056 | 2015-2016 | 98th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to oppose the United States Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to study or commission a study that could lead to regulations on grills and barbecues.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)
Status: (Passed) 2015-09-24 - Adopted [SR0056 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2015-SR0056-Enrolled.html
SR-56, As Adopted by Senate, September 24, 2015
Senators Casperson and Pavlov offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 56.
A resolution to oppose the United States Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to study or commission a study that could lead to regulations on grills and barbecues.
Whereas, Barbecues are an American tradition enjoyed by families from all walks of life across the country. Whether tailgating for a football game, hosting a backyard get-together, or just grilling a summer meal, barbecues are a quintessentially American experience and an opportunity to eat and socialize with family and friends; and
Whereas, Cooking outdoors on a grill during the summer saves electricity. Using a grill prevents the release of heat into the kitchen and other living spaces, while cooking indoors heats up a kitchen, forcing cooling systems, such as the refrigerator and air conditioner, to work harder and use more energy; and
Whereas, The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), our nation's environmental regulatory agency, has funded a University of California-Riverside student project to develop preventative technology to reduce emissions from residential barbecues. By funding this project, the EPA is apparently intent on finding a solution to a problem that does not exist and demonstrating an unnecessary interest and concern over the impact of backyard barbecues on public health; and
Whereas, Based on the EPA's past practices, today's study, no matter how small, is a concern to Michiganders and Americans, as it is inevitably the first step towards tomorrow's regulation of this American pastime. To fulfill its mission to protect human health and the environment, the EPA's primary tool has been, and continues to be, regulatory mandates that time and again ignore the financial, economic, and social burdens to the state and the country. The regulation of barbecues would be the latest, egregious example of overreach by the EPA; and
Whereas, Funding such a study is a poor use of taxpayer dollars. In the face of record national debts, annual budget deficits, and other profound problems the country is facing, surely the federal government can better use our resources than on a study of grills and backyard barbecues; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we oppose the United States Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to study or commission a study that, if consistent with the agency's past practices, many fear will serve as the first step towards the regulation of grills and barbecues; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
