About Us

Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

A Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Social Media

Bluesky • Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

Meet the Laser Focus World Team

Editorial

Sales

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology
My Watchlist
Indicators
Industrial Laser Index
Markets
Stocks
ETFs
Tools
Markets:
Overview
News
Currencies
International
Treasuries

Foster Swift Files Appeal on Behalf of Over 70 Michigan Municipalities to Protect Local Control Over Renewable Energy Regulations

By: via GlobeNewswire

Lansing, Mich., Nov. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Foster Swift Collins & Smith, P.C., on behalf of more than 70 municipalities across Michigan, has filed an appeal against the Michigan Public Service Commission’s (MPSC) October 10, 2024 decision. The appeal challenges the MPSC's order, which attempts to unlawfully strip local governments of their authority to regulate renewable energy projects within their communities.

The October 10th MPSC decision overrides local ordinances and zoning regulations, threatening to undermine the ability of municipalities to safeguard their residents and preserve the character of their communities in the face of rapidly expanding renewable energy development. The MPSC's ruling is viewed by many local leaders as a direct encroachment on home rule and an attempt to centralize power at the state level, disregarding the preferences and concerns of local communities.

In filing this appeal, Foster Swift represents a diverse coalition of townships and counties across Michigan who are determined to preserve their right to enact sensible, locally tailored regulations for renewable energy projects. These municipalities argue that local governments are best positioned to make decisions that balance the benefits of renewable energy with the need to protect community values, public health, and safety.

"We are deeply concerned that the MPSC’s ruling undermines the democratic process by removing the voices of local residents and local officials in decisions that directly impact their communities," said Michael Homier, Chair of the Foster Swift Municipal Practice Group. "Local governments have a longstanding responsibility to ensure that developments align with their unique priorities, and this decision threatens to leave them powerless in the face of large-scale renewable energy projects."

The appeal seeks to restore local authority over renewable energy siting decisions promised by the legislature when it adopted PA 233 and will move forward with legal arguments asserting that the MPSC’s decision violates both state law and constitutional principles of local governance. Local municipalities, many of which have spent the last year developing and enforcing regulations aimed at balancing renewable energy development with PA 233 and community interests, now fear that the MPSC’s decision could pave the way for unrestrained, top-down development that lacks appropriate community input or safeguards.

The coalition of municipalities stands firm in their belief that renewable energy development must respect local needs and conditions. The legal action is expected to draw attention from stakeholders across Michigan as both local governments and renewable energy advocates await the outcome of this appeal.

###
For Media Inquiries, Contact:
Michael Homier, Attorney
Foster Swift Collins & Smith, P.C.
Phone: (616) 726-2230
Email: mhomier@fosterswift.com

Since 1902, Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC has provided comprehensive legal services to businesses, municipalities and individuals. The firm employs nearly 100 attorneys and over 100 support staff in five locations: Lansing, Detroit, Southfield, Grand Rapids, and Holland. In 2023, Foster Swift achieved Midsize Mansfield Certified Plus designation which recognizes law firms for the inclusivity and transparency of their leadership processes for attorneys. For more information about the firm, its attorneys, and to access recent publications, visit www.fosterswift.com.


Michael Homier
Foster Swift Collins & Smith
616-726-2230
mhomier@fosterswift.com

More News

View More
3 Healthcare Companies Insiders Are Buying
Via MarketBeat
Topics Initial Public Offering
Tickers CAMP LLY SI
Analyst Downgrades Hit Homebuilders—But Opportunity Looms
Via MarketBeat
Topics World Trade
Tickers LEN PHM
3 Defensive Stocks to Buy as Economic Uncertainty Lingers
Via MarketBeat
Topics Artificial Intelligence Economy
Tickers CLX COST CVX
3 Dividend Hikes That Signal Renewed Strength in 2025
Via MarketBeat
Topics Economy
Tickers ACN F GE GM HON THO
3 Sustainable Stocks Benefiting From the AI Energy Surge
Via MarketBeat
Topics Artificial Intelligence Economy Government
Tickers HUBB NEE XYL
Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.