The Michigan Environmental Law Deskbook has been significantly revised for its second edition, and is now available for free online through the Environmental Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. The new edition is edited by Jeff Haynes and Gene Smary, two prominent environmental attorneys in the state, and features chapters authored by a long list of the leading practitioners in every subfield of environmental law. This is an exceptionally useful resource, written by the experts, and now available for free online in multiple electronic formats. Editor Jeff Haynes explains:
The Deskbook is a completely rewritten version of the first edition published in the 1990s. The Environmental Law Section believes that the Deskbook should be available for free as a part of the Section’s mission to educate the public. The chapters in the Deskbook come in two versions: an HTML web-based version that can be viewed on any screen (PDA, iPad, etc.), and a PDF format suitable for printing. One important benefit of the format is that all citations are hyperlinked directly to cases, statutes, rules and Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment web pages. These links allow readers to view the original source material immediately.
In addition to co-editing the volume, Jeff Haynes also authored the comprehensive chapter on the Michigan Environmental Protection Act. That law is the focus of the Anglers of the AuSable case that was before the Michigan Supreme Court yesterday. That's a great reason to check out the chapter in either the HTML-web format or as a .pdf document. Thanks to Jeff, Gene, and all of the contributing authors for putting together a fantastic resource for attorneys, law students, policy makers, and most importantly the public.
Update: Wetland law is another unique subfield of environmental law in Michigan. The state protects wetlands pursuant to the Goemaere‑Anderson Wetland Protection Act, codified in Part 303 of NREPA, MCL 324.30301 et seq., and is also one of just two states that have been delegated authority to administer a wetland protection program pursuant to § 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). The Deskbook has a superb chapter on wetlands (web/HTML and .pdf) co-authored by Andrea Hayden, a board member of the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center and attorney with Fausone Bohn LLP (and one of my former students). For anyone interested in wetland law, I highly recommend Andrea’s chapter in the Deskbook, it’s a fantastic resource.