Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Legal Program

October 2023 Issue of Water Log

October 11th, 2023
The October 2023 issue of Water Log is now available. The lead story is "New Wetlands Rule Reflects the Supreme Court’s Interpretation of WOTUS in Sackett".

March 2023 Issue of Water Log

March 27th, 2023
The March 2023 issue of Water Log is now available. The lead story is "Mississippi’s Oyster Journey from “Seafood Capital of the World” to 21st Century Collapse".

Municipal Authority

November 30th, 2022
This edition of Water Log helps unravel some of the unseen issues affecting how cities run. A Mobile municipal attorney explains the role of city attorneys in civil and criminal enforcment. Read how Alabama and Mississippi differ on allowing warrantless searches by cities to prove civil offenses like nuisances. Learn about quasi-judicial proceedings in zoning. And see the difference between the deference Mississippi courts give to municipal interpretations compared to other states.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

August 15th, 2022
Greenhouse gases have been part of the national discussion for almost 50 years, yet Congressional action has been limited, and courts have adjusted regulatory efforts. This edition of Water Log gives a quick background into what greenhouse gases are and their legislative and regulatory history, and then digs deeper into how courts have resolved recent lawsuits involving emissions and energy development in the Gulf of Mexico. Also read how digital modeling can improve city planning.

Natural Resources Law Enforcement

May 16th, 2022
Natural resource laws protect the environment. But who enforces those laws and what is the punishment? This issue of Water Log features an article by Captain Will Freeman of the Mississippi Office of Marine Patrol, explaining that group's mission. Also read about an Alabama Court of Appeals case involving Clean Water Act violations by a developer, law enforcement of states' rules for invasive species, and how a good city plan can avoid future problems.

Mississippi Aquatic Invasive Species Survey

March 28th, 2022
This survey is about non-native plants and animals that can harm Mississippi waters by taking over. They are known as aquatic invasive species. The results will be used to improve state policies and practices. In other words, your participation is important.

Take Survey »

Green Stormwater Infrastructure

February 15th, 2022
Green stormwater infrastructure is helping cities in the Northern Gulf Coast mitigate damage from runoff. Learn what GSI is, what some cities are doing, and how cities use zoning and sovereign immunity to address flooding.

Energy Development in the Gulf of Mexico

December 1st, 2021
The Gulf of Mexico offers great potential for energy development. This edition of Water Log explains the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's permitting process for green energy in the Gulf, the beginnings of the United States' offshore wind energy sector, legal challenges to wildlife permits for oil and gas development, and how coastal cities adapt planning for energy development.

Environmental Justice

August 18th, 2021
Environmental Justice takes many forms. Read an article by the people helping minority citizens of Lowndes County get help with their wastewater issues. Learn how Presidents have addressed environmental justice using Executive Orders. Hear about how city planners in Mobile are considering issues raised by Africatown residents. And see how Congress has allowed everybody the right to enforce certain environmental laws. All in this edition of Water Log.