Michigan is one of only two state that have the authority to regulate federal wetlands within their borders. However, the Environmental Protection Agency may revoke that power. Last week, the EPA held a hearing to determine if Michigan’s environmental standards for wetland management meet federal benchmarks.Wetland management may not seem to have a high legal significance, but according to environmental attorney Saulius Mikalonis, wetlands management is a common legal issue. Mikalonis, is a Senior Attorney at Plunkett Cooney. He also writes an environmental law column for Crain’s Detroit Business. He says development pressures are the main reason for legal battles over wetlands.
This environmental segment is supported by Michigan State University's Knight Center for Environmental Journalism. More news on the Great Lakes environment is available at GreatLakesEcho.org.