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Environmental Lawyer

Bottled Water is Not an "Essential Public Service"

Posted in Public Trust Doctrine 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Michigan's Court of Appeals has ruled that Nestle's water-bottling operation is not an "essential public service" in a case regarding building a pumping station in the township of Osceola. This is a huge step forward as many other cities and organizations in the state hope to stop Nestle's operation in Michigan for good.

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OBH Client MLPA Helps Shed Light on Industry-Touted Aggregates Study

Posted 9 months, 1 week ago

A series of recent pieces in the Detroit Free Press revealed the role Michigan aggregates industry played in urging MDOT to commission a study which has frequently been cited by the industry as demonstrating an imminent shortage of gravel in the state. The first story recounts how the Michigan Aggregates Association (MAA) communicated closely with MDOT officials to determine the scope of the study, identify potential firms to perform the work, and set the fee. The second piece highlights a request to the Michigan Auditor General from OBH client, citizens group Metamora Land Preservation Alliance, asking the watchdog to investigate ...

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UN Takes Steps to Recognize Role of Local Government in Combating Climate Change

Posted in Energy & Climate 1 year, 2 months ago

The international community closed out 2018 by agreeing on the “rulebook” for implementing the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement at the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Katowice, Poland, known as “COP24.”

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The Michigan Supreme Court Affirms 90-Day Appeal Period for Permits to Install for Existing Air Pollution Sources

Posted in Energy & Climate 1 year, 3 months ago

Published in Michigan Environmental Law Journal, Fall 2018, Vol. 36, No. 2, Issue 105 [view full article].
Cite: 36 Mich Env Law J 2 (2018)

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OBH Client Metamora Land Preservation Alliance Instrumental in Defeating Gravel Power Grab

Posted 1 year, 3 months ago

Among the flurry of recent lame-duck activity in the Michigan Legislature was SB 1210, a bill sponsored by Senator Tom Casperson (R – Escanaba), which was aimed squarely at the tiny, pastoral township of Metamora, located near the center of Michigan’s thumb. Under Metamora’s glacially-formed, gently rolling hills lies a significant deposit of gravel and other aggregates, coveted by mining companies for decades. Gravel mining has long been present in the township; four separate mines are currently operating. But in 2015, aggregates giant Levy Company sought township approval for a new mine more than 500 acres in size, the approval ...

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Olson, Bzdok & Howard
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Traverse City, MI 49686

Traverse City

Olson, Bzdok & Howard
420 East Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686

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Frankfort

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Frankfort, MI 49635

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