EPA Misses Deadline on Setting Greenhouse Gas Limits

The Environmental Protection Agency had set an April 13 deadline for itself to impose first-ever greenhouse gas limits on new power plants. The limits were proposed a year ago by EPA.

Sixth Circuit Opens the Door to Greater EPA Involvement in Modifications to Existing Emissions Sources

In a case arising in Michigan, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has held that the EPA possesses the ability to sue to prevent construction of a modification to an emissions source when it disputes the source's emissions projections. The District Court, whose decision was hereby overturned, had held that EPA must await actual emissions results before taking action against a source whose modifications in practice have resulted in significant increased emissions. This decision dramatically decreases regulatory certainty, and thus will likely cast a chill over planned facility upgrades.

Environmental Law for Lenders Seminar Scheduled for March 26

On Tuesday March 26 our Environmental Law for Lenders breakfast seminar will cover some of the topics that lenders need to be aware of when it comes to matters relating to construction and real estate.

Will the United States take Action on Climate Change?

Environmentalists are looking at President Obama's latest cabinet nominations as a signal that if Congress does not address climate change he is ready to act on his own. The nomination for administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Gina McCarthy, is a specialist on clean-air issues. The nominee for Secretary of the Department of Energy, Ernest Moniz, is a physicist at MIT who is known as an advocate of cleaner energy sources. Moniz is a former Under Secretary of Energy in the Clinton administration. McCarthy currently supervises air and radiation programs at EPA.

MMAEG Outreach Meeting to be held January 31, 2013

The Michigan Mining Association Exploratory Group (MMAEG) is planning its next planning/informational meeting to be held on January 31, 2013 from 10:00 am – 1:30 pm EST. A range of individuals, companies, institutions and associations have expressed interest in the creation of a broad based mining trade association to provide a forum to discuss mining policy, governance, and public education relating to the expanding mining industry in Michigan.

Michigan Geological Survey Advisory Council Meets at its New Home: Western Michigan University