Holland Reporter

State Representative Angela Rigas of Caledonia has addressed the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regarding their request for a lengthy extension on an oversight records request. The DNR requested 150 business days to fulfill a request initially made by Rigas on June 13, which sought documentation related to the enforcement of the Invasive Species Order concerning pig farms and ranches. This extension would move the deadline from July 3, 2025, to late January 2026.

The Oversight Subcommittee on Weaponization of State Government, chaired by Rigas, had previously heard testimony from pig farmers who alleged that the DNR used broad criteria to justify culling pigs without proper compensation. These criteria included physical characteristics such as ear floppiness and tail shape.

In response to the DNR's extension request, Rigas wrote back stating, “Thank you for your response. We’re happy to extend your deadline from July 3rd to no later than 5:00 PM on July 14, 2025.”

The DNR's initial letter referenced the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), describing deadlines as ‘non-binding’. However, Rigas clarified that her request was not under FOIA but within the purview of her committee's oversight responsibilities.

Rigas expressed dissatisfaction with the DNR’s handling of her request: “The snarkiness of career bureaucrats in Lansing is beyond ridiculous and we’re not letting them off the hook,” she said. She emphasized her committee's role in overseeing state agencies and accused the DNR of violating farmers' rights while refusing accountability.

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