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Clean Air Assistance Program

Clean Air Assistance Program

Section 507 of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 requires each state to establish a program to help small businesses with comply with the federal Clean Air Act.  The Michigan Clean Air Assistance Program (CAAP) is located within the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. The CAAP is designed to help small business understand and comply with Federal and State air quality rules and regulations.

Air quality rules can be complicated and complying with then may seem like a daunting task, especially to small businesses with little resources to hire their own environmental staff. CAAP staff can help businesses connect with resources to help them with their air quality needs, such as helping determine if an air permit is needed, assisting with emission calculations, providing guidance on recordkeeping and reporting, and pointing business toward existing compliance resources. CAAP Assistance is free and can benefit companies with questions related to air quality.  EGLE also provides compliance assistance staff and resources in other media, such as waste, water, and remediation.


Clean Air Assistance Program background

The Clean Air Assistance Program is comprised of three components: a Technical Assistance Program, an Ombudsman, and a Compliance Advisory Panel. The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act 451 of 1994, Article II - Pollution Control, Chapter 1 - Point Source Pollution Control, Part 57 (formerly known as the Small Business Clean Air Assistance Act 12 of 1993) is the enabling legislation for Michigan's Program. Ombudsman

The Michigan Clean Air Ombudsman acts as a liaison between the Air Quality Division of the Michigan Department Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and small business owners and managers. The services provided by the Clean Air Ombudsman include:

  • Assistance with understanding air quality regulations and compliance issues;
  • Mediation in resolving complaints or disputes; and
  • Representing small business concerns during new air quality rule development.

Currently, the Michigan Clean Air Ombudsman position is vacant. However, if you require assistance, contact the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Business Ombudsman Services.

The MEDC is a public corporation established through a partnership between the state and local Michigan communities to serve as the state's one-stop economic development organization. The Business Ombudsman Services heads a group of service providers which makes first contact with businesses seeking to grow in Michigan, provides specialized services in the areas of workers' compensation, business cost cutting, and tax abatements. The Business Ombudsman Services advocates on behalf of businesses to resolve conflicts with state government and air quality regulatory agencies.