- New Law for Siting Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Projects in Takes Effect November 29, 2024
In the fall of last year, HB 5120 (now Public Act 233 of 2023) was enacted. It establishes a new permitting process for large-scale wind, solar, and energy storage projects. The law grants the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) the authority to site such utility-scale renewable energy facilities.
Why it Matters: The law preempts local control over certain aspects zoning and other ordinances for solar energy facilities with a capacity of 50 megawatts or more, wind energy facilities with a capacity of 100 megawatts or more, and energy storage facilities with a capacity of 50 megawatts or more. The law will take effect on November 29, 2024.
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- Fraser Trebilcock Attorney Secures Victory for Firm Client
Fraser Trebilcock attorney Danielle Lofton was successful in securing a victory for the firm’s client in an insurance matter. A mother of an eight-year-old daughter in Florida had been sued over an accident that occurred in Michigan involving her daughter having caused a serious injury to a cousin while driving an ATV.
Why it Matters: The mother’s insurance company in Florida had gone into insolvency, leaving the mother on her own to defend herself in the civil lawsuit. Although she was initially faced with many roadblocks, Attorney Lofton was successful in convincing the Florida Insurance Bureau to not only settle the underlying claim, but to reimburse the firm’s client for the defense costs she incurred. Read more.
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- Update: Michigan Supreme Court Clarifies its “Adopt and Amend” Minimum Wage and Tipped Worker Ruling
The Michigan Supreme Court recently issued a clarification of its July 31, 2024 ruling on minimum wage and paid sick leave standards. This update, released on September 18, 2024, comes in response to a request from the State of Michigan and its attorney general, addressing several key points of confusion that arose from the original decision.
Why it Matters: Employers should remain vigilant for any further updates or guidance from state authorities. The complex nature of these changes underscores the importance of staying informed and seeking experienced legal counsel to ensure full compliance with Michigan’s evolving wage laws. Read more from your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.
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- Intellectual Property and Rebranding: What Business Leaders Need to Know
Rebranding a business is exciting. It’s often done at a time of growth and transformation, such as a merger or acquisition, when a business is launching an important new product, entering a new geographic market, or trying to appeal to a new customer demographic. Whether you’re updating your logo, changing your company name, or overhauling your entire brand identity, it’s a big step that can lead to great opportunities.
Why it Matters: But before you dive into the creative process, it is crucial to consider the intellectual property (IP) law implications of a rebrand. Your brand is one of your most valuable assets, and rebranding involves important legal considerations that can impact your business’s future. In this article, we’ll walk you through some key IP issues you need to consider when rebranding. These considerations will help you protect your new identity and avoid costly legal pitfalls along the way. Read more.
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- Business Education Series: Avoid the Five Business Dangers
On Wednesday, October 30, Tom Hamp, Hamp Business Coaching, will delve into the critical issues of poor leadership skills and their impact on organizational success, explore strategies to overcome underperforming sales, and discuss the consequences of ineffective marketing. Additionally, we will examine the importance of robust human capital management and the detrimental effects of financial mismanagement. This seminar is designed to provide practical solutions and actionable insights to help you navigate and resolve these common business problems effectively.
Why it Matters: Learn how to understand your business’s financials, understand profit and loss and use it to your advantage. Also learn how leadership impacts staff and how to manage employees better by increasing leadership skills. Full information and to register.
Related Practice Groups and Professionals
Energy, Utilities & Telecommunication | Sean Gallagher
Insurance Law | Danielle Lofton
Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | David Houston
Intellectual Property | Andrew Martin