Michigan Lawmakers Renew Push for Dam Safety Reforms

Bipartisan bill aims to strengthen regulations and require dam owners to prove they can afford maintenance

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:56pm

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After failed attempts following the 2020 Midland dam disaster, Michigan lawmakers are again considering legislation to upgrade the state's weak dam safety standards. The bipartisan bill would require dam owners to register their structures, prove they can afford maintenance, and meet stricter flood control requirements. Experts say the reforms are crucial as climate change increases the risk of dam failures.

Why it matters

The 2020 Midland dam failures, which caused over $200 million in damages, exposed major flaws in Michigan's dam safety regulations. This new legislation aims to address those weaknesses and prevent future catastrophic dam breaches that threaten public safety and require costly taxpayer-funded repairs.

The details

The proposed bill would require all dam owners to register their structures and demonstrate they have the financial resources to maintain them. It would also upgrade Michigan's flood control standards, forcing high-hazard dams to be able to withstand the 'probable maximum flood' rather than just half that amount as currently allowed. The legislation would give state regulators more authority to address problem dams, and require emergency action plans for the most hazardous structures.

  • In 2020, two dams failed outside Midland, Michigan, causing over $200 million in damages.
  • Lawmakers vowed to reform dam safety laws after the 2020 disaster, but initial legislation died without a hearing.
  • The new bipartisan bill, House Bill 5485, was introduced in the Michigan House in early 2026.

The players

Michigan House

A bipartisan group of state representatives is sponsoring the new dam safety reform legislation.

Association of State Dam Safety Officials

A national dam safety group that investigated the 2020 Midland disaster and supports the proposed reforms.

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy

The state agency that regulates dams and also backs the new legislation.

Bill Schuette

A Republican state representative from Midland and a key sponsor of the dam safety reform bill.

Luke Trumble

Michigan's state dam safety chief, who says the proposed reforms would 'bring Michigan into alignment with national design and performance standards.'

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What they’re saying

“It was also a clarion call.”

— Bill Schuette, State Representative, Midland

“Hopefully the Michigan Legislature can find some appropriations to help.”

— John Roche, President, Association of State Dam Safety Officials

“Ultimately, it is a good investment to put money into these structures, if for nothing else than it prevents the 10 times worse devastation that happens when a dam fails.”

— John Roche, President, Association of State Dam Safety Officials

What’s next

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The takeaway

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