The Issue
Since 2004, the State of Michigan has been considering negotiating an Agreement with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), under which the State would assume much greater regulatory authority over radioactive materials.  Michigan is one of only a few states that have not signed such an Agreement.

In October 2006, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm directed the Departments of Community Health and Environmental Quality to develop a strategy leading toward the enactment of an NRC Agreement, and to consult with licensees and other stakeholders on that strategy. The Departments, in a report dated July 13, 2007, have recommended a strategy that will help modernize and strengthen Michigan's radiation protection program. The strategy includes the consolidation of radiation programs currently split between the two Departments, the updating of Michigan's statute and Ionization Radiation Rules, and the enactment of an Agreement with the NRC.

Governor Granholm signed a Letter of Intent on July 31, 2007. This letter formally notified the NRC that Michigan intends to pursue an Agreement.

History of the Michigan Agreement State Issue

Key Questions and Issues Concerning Pursuit of an NRC Agreement for Michigan

What's New 
  Draft Rules for Comment
NRC assigns Project Manager for the Michigan Agreement - June 12, 2008
Agreement State Advisory Group meeting summary - May 28, 2008

Strategy for Developing an Agreement State Program
See the PowerPoint slide show Consideration of Michigan Pursuing an NRC Agreement - A Discussion with Stakeholders August 8, 2007 presented by Thor Strong, Chief, Radiological Protection Section (DEQ).

Funding a Michigan Agreement State Program
The NRC provides no funding for the state to develop its Agreement State program. In order to hire and train the additional staff for the program a four-year interim fee on licensees and registrants is being proposed. Once Michigan becomes an Agreement State, annual license fees paid to the state program will be substantially less than NRC fees. Our own estimates, and the experience of other states that have taken this approach, indicate that most licensees will recoup their interim fees in four years, with substantial savings being enjoyed beyond that point.

Related Links
NRC Agreement Program website
Organization of Agreement States
Radiological Protection Section (DEQ)
Suggested State Regulations - CRCPD

Last Update 7/10/2008