Michigan Chamber of Commerce 19th Annual Environmental Issues Forum

Several members of the Environmental Department prepared, coordinated and presented at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce’s 19th Annual Environmental Issues Forum on May 21 in Lansing. The program included a keynote speech by Liesl Eichler Clark, the new director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Charlie Denton of the Grand Rapids office moderated the full-day program and provided a presentation, “’No Stricter Than Federal’ EH&S Applicability.” Joel Bowers of the South Bend office presented “Air Emissions Permitting Compliance and Enforcement” alongside the Lansing Board of Water & Light, which included a U.S. EPA Clean Air Act rules status update, info on Renewable Operating Permit/Title 5 fees and information about the Michigan Climate Change Office. Jeff Longsworth of the Washington, D.C., office partnered with environmental engineering firm LimnoTech to discuss “Stormwater Pollution Prevention and Permitting Issues.” Don Lawless of the Grand Rapids office gave a “Federal and Michigan OSHA Update.” Closing out the day was Tammy Helminski of the Grand Rapids office, with a presentation on “PFAS Emerging Contaminants: EGLE and U.S. EPA Regulatory Updates,” which she shared alongside environmental engineering/M&A firm GZA-Rose & Westra. The capacity audience included firm clients Grand Rapids International Airport, Kaiser Aluminum, ADAC Automotive, REAL ALLOY, University of Michigan, and Holland Board of Public Works, as well as other manufacturers, utilities and environmental consultants.