This month, ELPC attorneys argued in front of the Michigan Supreme Court to defend the state’s Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). On behalf of a group of Michigan environmental and community organizations, we argued the agency has the right to protect clean water.
A state appellate court ruling would effectively handcuff EGLE from regulating waste from the largest industrial agricultural operations, which make up less than 1% of the state's farms. The biggest facilities represent the biggest risk to water quality, and they should be held responsible for managing their harmful waste, which is key to stopping water pollution and harmful algal blooms. If the Michigan Supreme Court does not reverse the lower court’s ruling, EGLE will be unable to improve the permits that protect Michigan's waters.
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