Environmental Attorneys’ Amici Briefs Get It Right

In Prairie Rivers Network v. Dynegy Midwest Generation LLC, the Seventh Circuit accepted several amicus briefs that went beyond duplicating party arguments and instead provided unique legal, historical, and practical perspectives on Clean Water Act issues. Judge Michael Scudder highlighted these briefs as models for effective amicus advocacy, emphasizing their value in offering new analysis, regulatory context, and technical insight to aid the court’s decision-making.

Understanding and Navigating Federal, Illinois and Missouri COVID-19 Environmental Enforcement Discretion Policies

The shelter-in-place orders and essential business guidelines and directives that have been issued by the federal government and the states of Illinois and Missouri have raised questions about the feasibility of compliance with environmental requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.  As outlined below, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“USEPA”), Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (“IEPA”) and […]

Environmental Attorneys Publish Article on Erosion of Regulated Entities’ Traditional Protections

Jennifer Martin, Alec Messina, and Michael Murphy have published an article in the Illinois Manufacturer that highlights how recent cases involving alleged violations of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act have set some alarming precedents for Illinois companies. The article details the background and ramifications of two recent cases. One case raises serious questions about the scope of […]