The Essential Environmental & Energy Blog

Eco- and flight-friendly powerline installation proposed near airport in northern lower Michigan.

Now is the time to let the federal government know what you think about policy changes for how FERC will consider future natural gas projects.

Michigan issues draft MI Healthy Climate Plan, seeks public comments through Feb. 8.

The proposed new definition of “Waters of the United States” by the EPA and USACE could have significant environmental ramifications for your property, operations or activities. 

State of Michigan requests holders of National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits to conduct "vulnerability analysis" to minimize impact on Great Lakes water levels.

Like other requirements, environmental regulations apply to medicinal and recreational cannabis businesses too.

Officials must read more than “tea leaves” to fully understand how Michigan’s medical and recreational cannabis industries will impact the state’s energy grid.

Moving on all fronts, Trump administration has several ways to affect environmental regulations and policy.

A proposed rule governing uncontrolled discharges of raw sewage into surface waters waits review by the new administration.

Michigan just made it easier for owners and operators of underground storage tanks to demonstrate financial assurance and obtain cash for closing leaking tanks.

HUD proposes new lead paint rule that reduces exposure levels significantly, affecting building owners of target housing.

EPA uses victim restitution statute to recover its costs for responding to massive asbestos release.

Federal legislators try to insert weaker ballast discharge regulations into defense budget, which may pave the way for more invasive species in the Great Lakes.

EPA’s new rules will govern methane emissions from new oil and gas industry operation sources, with regulations for existing sources on the horizon.

Underground storage tank owners and operators can apply for funds to help pay cleanup costs for release of materials into environment.

Our access to drinking water is almost assumed, but how do we know it is safe?

Upwind states will have to control ground level ozone inducing air emissions to help downwind states comply with the Clean Air Act.

Federal appellate court blocks EPA’s rule defining “Waters of the United States” for the purposes of the Clean Water Act.

EPA must strengthen rule controlling introduction of invasive species into US waters through ballast discharge.

EPA proposes broad rules requiring healthcare and associated facilities to properly store, transport and dispose of hazardous pharmaceutical wastes and bans "down the drain" disposal.

Proposed legislative changes to Michigan's net metering policy could dramatically impact the state's renewable energy future.

Federal court upholds Chesapeake Bay multi-state water quality regulations, which may be a model for future Great Lakes regulations.

The Supreme Court handed the EPA a loss by sending EPA’s Clean Air Act mercury rule for existing power plants to the DC Circuit, but the practical effect is minimal.

In a much anticipated rulemaking, EPA has defined what waters are regulated under the Clean Water Act, and not everyone is happy.

The corporate liability shield may not protect individual shareholders, owners or executives in certain environmental exposure situations.

Ohio court rules that home rule rights of municipalities are not effective against drilling rights and as a home rule state, Michigan municipalities may face similar challenges to enforce their ordinances.

Court requires MSPC to reconsider its decision permitting a gas pipeline and to comply with the Michigan Environmental Protection Act.

EPA proposes new regulations for control of methane during oil and gas production.

In support of biodiversity, Michigan Gov. Snyder vetoes legislation from his own party.

EPA decides to regulate coal ash as solid waste, but not as hazardous waste.

EPA proposes regulations to control ground-level ozone in an effort to combat smog.

Violating environmental law self-reporting obligations can lead to some very expensive fines and penalties.

Public comments on proposed new EPA greenhouse gas rules raise new issues, so agency seeks comments on those issues.

New FERC rule establishes requirements for power transmission planning and cost allocation, while promoting development of renewable energy projects.

Local communities are responding to fracking by attempting to restrict the practice through the passage of ordinances, with inconsistent results.

While the Supreme Court trimmed a little of EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources, it left in place EPA’s authority to do so.