Seth B. Arthur

Environmental and Renewable Energy Attorney

Seth is an attorney on Varnum’s Environmental and Renewable Energy practice teams. He assists clients on an array of environmental matters. Specifically, Seth represents clients on matters related to violations of Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), including responding to violation notices from Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), and negotiating with EGLE on behalf of clients related to enforcement actions and administrative consent agreements. Moreover, Seth has experience in counseling clients through Part 303 (Wetland Protection Act) violations, which often times requires working with environmental consultants to access wetland impacts as well as restoration and mitigation strategies. In addition, Seth has worked on Part 31 NPDES discharge permits, Part 22 Groundwater Quality disputes, and Part 201 Remediation disputes.

Apart from his NREPA work, Seth also represents renewable energy companies developing wind and solar energy projects. Seth works with his clients to achieve their project goals, including: compliance with local ordinances, attending public meetings to advocate for projects, and counseling clients through every stage of securing a special land use permit. When projects become adversarial Seth works with clients to ensure municipalities follow Michigan’s Zoning Enabling Act, Michigan’s Planning Enabling Act, and Michigan’s Open Meetings Act. Seth has worked on a number of wind and solar projects throughout Michigan.

Seth will continue working with utility-scale renewable energy developers under Public Act 233’s new state siting scheme, scheduled to take effect in November 2024.

Seth also has experience advising corporate clients on regulatory matters. For example, he advises clients on compliance with California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, better known as “Proposition 65.” Through that work, Seth assists clients in interpreting guidance and rules issued by California’s Office of Environmental Health and Hazard (OEHHA), and in evaluating their products, product packaging, and supply chains to ensure that their products’ labeling complies with the complexities of Proposition 65.

Seth’s background also includes litigation and representing clients throughout the litigation process.

Seth formerly served as a judicial clerk for Kent County’s 17^th Circuit Court. While in law school, he received several legal writing awards and was a member of Michigan State University College of Law’s Trial Practice Institute.

As a former college tennis player, when Seth is not representing clients, he enjoys playing and coaching tennis. While coaching Allegan High School’s Boys Varsity Tennis Team, his team won the MHSAA Division IV State Championship in 2019.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Ones to Watch, Litigation – Environmental, Since 2024

Grand Rapids Magazine, Top Lawyers, Environmental Law, 2024

Professional Affiliations

State Bar of Michigan, Environmental Law Section

Grand Rapids Bar Association