Insider Intelligence

An annual report providing a deep dive into efforts underway by the state to drive progress toward addressing the challenges facing the lakes and Michigan water resources was released. The 2020 State of the Great Lakes was developed by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Office of the Great Lakes (OGL). Topics within […]

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, along with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, signed an agreement to work jointly to protect the Great Lakes from invasive Asian carp species. The intergovernmental agreement between the Illinois Department of Natural Resourcesand the Michigan Department of Natural Resources allows Illinois to use up to $8 million in funds appropriated in 2018 by […]

Recently released, the 2019 State of the Great Lakes report looks at significant issues that affected the Great Lakes and Michigan’s residents in 2019. It includes features about new offices within the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) responsible for climate, environmental justice, and clean drinking water; new lead and copper and PFAS […]

If you are reading this, I assume you live in Michigan. I live in Michigan. Most of my clients live in Michigan. However, not all. What everyone who does not live here needs to know is that Michigan is a super fantastically beautiful state. I hope that last sentence conveyed what a natural wonderland Michigan […]

In April, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will host the first Great Lakes Infrastructure Conference in Novi. Attendees at the conference will include municipal officials, water professionals, academia, nonprofits, and state and local officials from around the country. They will hear from experts and share information about water infrastructure challenges and solutions […]

The House Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Committee heard testimony from Representative Jim Lilly (R-Park Township) on his proposal to deal with the rising water levels in the Great Lakes. Under his proposal, local governments would be allowed to issue temporary emergency rulings to slow down water activities near affected areas, including boats, jet skis, […]

State, federal, and local officials came together at the Michigan High Water Coordinating Summit to find ways to work collaboratively and share resources to tackle the challenge of the state’s near-record high water levels. The participants agreed to form an ad hoc Michigan High Water Action Team, which will collaborate to: Identify available assets that […]

Governor Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter to President Donald Trump highlighting the need for consistent federal action for a new lock in Sault Ste. Marie and the critical issues impacting the Great Lakes. In her letter, she stressed the importance of the Soo Locks to the state’s economy and the nation’s defense. Highlighting the role […]