From: Hernandez, Angelita (GOV)
Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2010 2:06 PM
Subject: What the Governor's Talking about Today

Importance: High

What the Governor’s Talking about Today

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

 

Governor Names Rebecca Humphries Director of New Department of Natural Resources and Environment

The governor today announced Rebecca A. Humphries as director of the new Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE), effective January 17, 2010.  Created by Executive Order 2009-45, the DNRE will assume the powers and functions of the departments of Natural Resources and Environmental Quality, both of which are abolished by the executive order.

 

“With her sound understanding of today’s environmental and conservation challenges, her wealth of experience and her proven ability to bring people to the table for critical discussions, Becky Humphries is the right person to guide the department,” the governor said.

 

Creation of the DNRE is part of the governor’s ongoing commitment to streamline state government.  The new department’s mission is to conserve, manage, protect and promote Michigan’s environmental, natural resources and related economic interests for current and future generations.  This includes implementing an ecosystem-based strategy for resource management, effectively using natural resources in a sustainable manner, and providing for continuous improvement in Michigan’s air, water and soils while facilitating and encouraging economic growth.

 

The governor commended the work of transition manager Bruce Rasher in coordinating the transfer of functions to the new state department and for his DNRE transition report.

 

“Because of Bruce Rasher’s efforts, the people and programs of the new department will be well-positioned to anticipate and meet the environmental and natural resources challenges and needs of Michigan citizens, stakeholders and business leaders,” the governor said.

 

Key messages:

 

·        The DNRE ushers in a bold, fresh approach to the way Michigan manages and protects our state’s treasured environmental and natural resources.

·        The new department will be committed to meeting the needs of business and industry while protecting our environmental and natural resources.

·        The DNRE transition report can be found at www.michigan.gov/dnr and www.michigan.gov/deq

 

 

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