The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
About us
About us
Working side-by-side with partners at local, regional, state and federal levels, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) safeguards our state's environment while supporting the economic growth and development crucial for Michigan's future.
As part of providing expert technical and pollution prevention assistance to businesses and individuals, EGLE annually performs approximately 30,000 site visits and inspections. EGLE employs more than 1,500 scientists, engineers, geologists, toxicologists, inspectors, technicians, managers, biologists and support staff across the state.
-
History of the Department
Executive Order 2019-6: renamed the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). This order also established the Interagency Environmental Justice Response Team, the Office of the Clean Water Public Advocate, the Office of Climate and Energy, the Office of the Great Lakes, the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate and Science Review Boards (as needed) within EGLE. Effective April 22, 2019.
Executive Order 2011-1: abolished the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) and created the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Effective March 13, 2011.
Executive Order 2009-45: created a new Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) to protect and conserve Michigan's air, water and other natural resources. The new department assumed the powers and functions of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which were abolished by the executive order.
Executive Order 1999-10: created the Water Quality Advisory Board, charged with advising the Department of Environmental Quality regarding implementation of a comprehensive, long-term water quality monitoring program designed to measure the quality of Michigan's streams, rivers and lakes, and detect areas of the state that need additional water quality control efforts.
Executive Order No. 1995-18: The Department of Environmental Quality was created, which transferred environmental regulatory programs from the Department of Natural Resources to the newly created Department. Subsequently, the following executive orders transferred additional responsibilities to the Department:
- Executive Order No. 1996-1: transferred responsibilities for environmental health programs relating to drinking water and radiological protection from the Department of Public Health to the Department of Environmental Quality.
- Executive Order No. 1996-2: transferred the Low Level Radioactive Waste Authority from the Department of Commerce to the DEQ.
- Executive Order No. 1997-2: transferred the Above Ground Storage Tank Program and the inspection of dry cleaning establishments from the Department of State Police to the DEQ.
- Executive Order No. 1997-3: transferred the Michigan Environmental Science Board and the Environmental Administration Division from the Department of Management and Budget to the DEQ.