The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) today unveiled its new logo in advance of its official reorganization into the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) effective Monday, April 22, 2019.
Director Liesl Clark debuted the new EGLE logo for employees at MDEQ’s main office in Lansing’s Constitution Hall.
“The 1,200 people from MDEQ, the Office of the Great Lakes, and Michigan Agency for Energy stand ready to unite on April 22 around a common purpose of protecting the state and its resources, including Michigan’s most important resource, its people.” Clark said. “EGLE’s shared mission will be built on a common foundation of protecting and conserving Michigan’s treasured resources and contributing to healthy and vibrant communities throughout the state.”
The new EGLE logo is based on the department’s acronym and represents the green and blue of Michigan’s land and water resources separated by a wave that represents the connection between the environment and energy as found in the wind and waves of the Great Lakes, said its creator Lisa Twenter, graphic designer with MDEQ’s Environmental Support Office.
“My goal for the logo was to create something that embodied all of what the new department represents, while being subtle and retaining a professional image,” Twenter said. “I found that the wave served as a simple illustration of the relationship between our land, water, and energy resources. I wanted to create a logo that was fresh and modern, but also functional for a state regulatory agency.”
Gov. Whitmer signed Executive Order 2019-06 on February 20, 2019, creating the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. The Executive Order takes effect on Monday, April 22, 60-days after its submission to the Legislature.
Under the Executive Order, MDEQ reorganizes as EGLE and assumes many activities of the Michigan Agency for Energy though the creation of the new Office of Climate and Energy within EGLE. The Office of the Great Lakes also moves from the Department of Natural Resources into EGLE.
Other notable changes under the reorganization include the creation of an Interagency Environmental Justice Response Team, which will assist in developing, implementing, and regularly updating a statewide environmental justice plan. The creation of an Environmental Justice Public Advocate position who will accept and investigate complaints and concerns related to environmental justice in Michigan. An Office of the Clean Water Public Advocate is also created to accept and investigate complaints and concerns relating to drinking water quality.