STATE:

Why NFIB

Take Action

Get Support

Stay Informed

Podcast Podcast

Careers Careers

Join Now

Home / News /

Small Businesses Argue EGLE Violates the APA in New Amicus Brief

September 13, 2023

Small Businesses Argue EGLE Violates the APA in New Amicus Brief

LANSING, Mich. (Sept. 13, 2023) – NFIB filed an amicus brief in the case Michigan Farm Bureau, et al. v. Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy at the Michigan Supreme Court. The case concerns the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) and how the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) defines a “rule.” NFIB filed the brief with the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. “Small businesses depend on government actions to be predictable, reasonable, and accountable,” said Amanda Fisher, NFIB Michigan State Director. “Unelected bureaucrats in government agencies do not have the authority to define a rule – that is the purview of the legislature. When agencies exercise legislative power as highlighted in this case, small businesses suffer. We ask the Court to uphold the lower court’s ruling.” NFIB’s brief argues two main points: 1) EGLE’s actions violate the APA and undermine the separation of powers, and 2) small businesses will suffer if agencies enact rules without following APA procedures. Small business owners consistently rank “Unreasonable Government Regulations” and “Uncertainty Over Government Actions” as top problems for their businesses. The NFIB Small Business Legal Center protects the rights of small business owners in the nation’s courts. NFIB is currently active in more than 40 cases in federal and state courts across the country and in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Topics:

Legal

State:

Michigan

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Learn More

Louisiana State Capitol photo by Todd Pack

March 10, 2026

NFIB Urges Lawmakers to Continue Insurance, Legal Reforms

Reducing costs would help Louisiana small businesses grow.

March 9, 2026

NFIB Urges GA Senate to Pass ADA Lawsuit Reform Bill

The bill would let employers recover damages and legal costs from unsuccessful lawsuits.

March 6, 2026

NFIB Asks Colorado Supreme Court to Protect Small Businesses from Lawsuit Abuse

NFIB filed an amicus brief in the case Public Service of Colorado v. Ross regarding the responsibility of small businesses for damages in wrongful death cases.

March 4, 2026

NFIB Praises Committee Passage of Reasonable Standard for Premises Liability

HB 4582 provides small businesses with a clear and fair standard for property owners

Small Businesses Argue EGLE Violates the APA in New Amicus Brief

Related Articles