And we’ll show you two ways to help. Together, we can be a voice for change and protect Michigan’s land, air, water, public health, and democracy.
December 1st, 2024
Throughout 2024, Attorney General Dana Nessel has been instrumental in defending EGLE’s authority to regulate polluters, securing pivotal legal victories that reinforce the agency’s capacity to protect Michigan’s natural resources. Notably, on August 1, 2024, the Michigan Supreme Court upheld EGLE’s discretion to develop permit conditions that safeguard water quality, even when these conditions aren’t explicitly referenced in existing rules. This decision empowers EGLE to implement more adequate measures to protect water resources, ensuring that the agency can respond effectively to environmental challenges.
In December 2024, Nessel achieved another significant victory when the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed EGLE’s authority to conduct inspections to ensure compliance with its orders. This ruling is crucial for holding violators accountable and protecting Michigan’s wetlands and natural resources. The case involved P & P Contracting Services, Inc., accused of unlawfully destroying regulated wetlands in Bay County. The court’s decision underscores the importance of allowing EGLE to perform inspections under state court orders to enforce environmental protections.
These legal successes underscore Attorney General Nessel’s unwavering commitment to defending EGLE’s authority and ensuring that Michigan’s environmental laws are robustly enforced. By securing these rulings, Nessel has reinforced the state’s ability to regulate polluters effectively, thereby safeguarding the health of Michigan’s ecosystems and the well-being of its residents.