Environmental – Page 123 – Legal News Feed

JDSupra

California’s Advanced Clean Fleet Rules Make Strides in Zero-Emission Heavy-Duty Trucks Adoption

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

In recent environmental policy developments, California continues to push forward with its ambitious Advanced Clean Fleet rules. A major milestone is fast approaching, signalling the state’s tenacious commitment to encouraging the manufacture and wide adoption of zero-emission, heavy-duty trucks. This landmark deal with truck manufacturers, spearheaded by California, represents a significant stride in environmental regulation…

JDSupra

Missouri Air Regulations: Liberty Aggregates Faces AOC Over Alleged Violations

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

In a recent development regarding air enforcement, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (“MDNR”) and Liberty Aggregates, LLC, (“Liberty”) have entered into an Administrative Order on Consent (“AOC”). This consent agreement has been established in response to alleged violations of the Missouri Air Regulations, which have ignited considerable discussions within legal circles. JDSupra provided insights…

JDSupra

Advancing Sustainable Farming: EWG’s First-ever Summit on Future of Farm Subsidies

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has announced plans to host its “first-ever Summit on the future of farm subsidies”, scheduled for September 5, 2023. The news of this engagement sets a new precedent in the realm of farm subsidies, incorporating a broad spectrum of varying perspectives and expertise. The Summit will feature a robust lineup…

JDSupra

Sixth Circuit Court Upholds OSHA’s Rule-Making Authority, Rejects Nondelegation Doctrine Challenge

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

In a significant development in constitutional law, the Sixth Circuit Court recently rejected a constitutional challenge claiming that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) rule-making authority is overly broad and undermines the power of Congress. The case highlighted the controversial nondelegation doctrine, a concept frequently cited by conservative legal scholars as a method to…

JDSupra

Ontario Unveils Clean Energy Roadmap for Sustainable Economic Growth

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

In July 2023, Ontario’s Ministry of Energy released a roadmap outlining its strategy for acquiring and maintaining the electric resources necessary to meet the province’s growing electricity demand. The comprehensive 84-page document, titled “Powering Growth: Ontario’s Plan for a Clean Energy Future,” (“the Plan”), outlines the region’s strategy for implementing production, storage, and transport infrastructures…

JDSupra

Fifth Circuit Nullifies NRC License for Private Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage: Implications and Future Challenges

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

In a significant judgement on August 25, 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit nullified the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) license issued to Interim Storage Partners, LLC (ISP) for its temporary spent nuclear fuel storage facility in Texas. Familiarly referred to as a Consolidated Interim Storage Facility (CISF), the court found…

JDSupra

Brazilian Environmental Law Update: The Path to ESG and Sustainability Progress

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

Brazil has been at the forefront of regulatory initiatives shaping its ecological framework, with numerous subjects from financial responsibility to the regulation of carbon markets occupying its legislative agenda. A recent article in JDSupra provides an in-depth exploration of these timely subjects. One of the dominant themes in the Brazilian environmental law update corresponds to…

JDSupra

Biden Administration Redefines “Waters of the United States” to Align with Sackett v. EPA Ruling

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

On August 29, 2023, the Biden administration released a prepublication edition of a new final Clean Water Act rule ―known as the “Conforming Rule― modifying the definition of the term “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). The change was enacted in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Sackett v. EPA, published on May…

JDSupra

Reassessing Clean Water Act Ambiguity: Congress’ Role in Shaping WOTUS Definitions and Environmental Regulations

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

The complexities of environmental legislation are often a considerable source of contention among lawmakers, particularly regarding EPA’s definitions of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS). This ongoing debate finds many arguing that Congress should take a more active role in providing clear definitions. As highlighted in a comprehensive report by Sam Hess, featured in…

JDSupra

Examining PFAS Presence: How Straw Material Choices Impact Health and Legal Implications

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

A recent study published by the Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A journal, an affiliated journal of the International Society for Mycotoxicology, may alter how legal professionals and others perceive the use of different types of straws for drinking. The study, titled “Steel Beats Glass and Plastic, All Beat Paper:” investigates the prevalence of Per-…

JDSupra

EPA and Corps of Engineers Revise WOTUS Definition, Impacting Environmental Law Landscape

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

An important development for environmental law professionals, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Corps of Engineers have issued a pre-Federal Register publication final rule on August 29th revising the definition of ‘waters of the United States’ (‘WOTUS’) under the Clean Water Act. This rule is a response to the United…

JDSupra

EPA Redefines ‘Waters of the United States’ in Response to Supreme Court Ruling

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

On August 29, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a significant alteration to its definition of ‘waters of the United States’, a term that has long been a point of contention in environmental law and policy. This change was prompted by the Supreme Court’s ruling earlier this year in the case of Sackett v….

JDSupra

EPA Addresses CAFO Regulations in Clean Water Act Petition Response

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently published a letter in reply to a petition lodged by various environmental groups. The petition sought amendments to the Clean Water Act (CWA) regulations specifically for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). More details about the EPA’s response and the proposed amendments can be found in the petition….

JDSupra

Aeroseal Secures $67 Million in Series B Funding, Highlighting Private Sector’s Role in Climate Action

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

In a recent development that suggests increasing buy-in into sustainability efforts, climate-tech firm Aeroseal managed to secure $67 million in its Series B funding round. Given the magnitude of challenges associated with climate change, this investment marks a significant stride in reaffirming the substantial role that private enterprises can play in reducing carbon emissions. Mintz…

JDSupra

EPA Unveils Final Rule Aligning Clean Water Act with Landmark Sackett Decision

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the final Clean Water Act (CWA) rule in line with the US Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA, 598 U.S. _, 143 S. Ct. 1322 (2023). Detailed reports and analysis of the new rule are not available as yet because it is a pre-publication edition set for…

JDSupra

Proposed Legislation Unveils Investment Tax Credits for Renewable Energy Sector

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

On August 4, 2023, the Department of Finance released the draft of a significant piece of legislation containing several previously announced investment tax credits. The focus of these credits is primarily the renewable and clean energy sectors. The document, which has been coined as the ‘Proposed Legislation’, features comprehensive regulations and changes pertaining to green…

JDSupra

Navigating the Electrification of Transportation: Public Entities’ Evolving Role and Legal Implications

Pieter Gunst3 years ago04 mins

The future of the automotive and manufacturing industry is set to be electric. However, keep in mind that the electrification of the industry does not solely involve automobile manufacturers and their supply chains – there’s an increasing involvement of public entities as well. As indicated by a recent analysis by Clark Hill PLC, the electrification…

JDSupra

Navigating the Complexities of WOTUS Rule Amendments: Implications for Environmental Compliance and Development

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

On August 29, 2023, important amendments were made to the definition of ‘water of the United States’ (WOTUS), which were released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). The redefinition of WOTUS significantly reduces the authority of these bodies to enforce permits for developmental activities or work in certain water…

JDSupra

Ontario Unveils Clean Energy Future Plan Amid Rising Electricity Demand

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

In July 2023, Ontario’s Ministry of Energy unveiled its blueprint for the procurement and conservation of the electricity resources required to meet rising demand in the province. Titled “Powering Ontario’s Growth: Ontario’s Plan for a Clean Energy Future,” this 84-page document details the province’s strategy to construct clean electricity generation, storage, and transmission infrastructure. This…

JDSupra

Brownfields Tax Credit Program Extended: Assessing the Impact on Redevelopment Projects

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

The Brownfields Tax Credit program, a key aspect of development incentive packages in many U.S jurisdictions, recently underwent significant changes. Governor Healey approved the extension of the program for five more years until January 1, 2029, as part of the FY 2024 budget legislation. Initially, the credit was set to end in 2023, a piece…

JDSupra

California’s Climate Accountability Initiative: Impending Legislation May Transform Business Landscape

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

Climate change is increasingly shaping legislation and, as such, impacting businesses on a global scale. In California, a significant development is unfolding. A confidential committee within the state’s legislature is anticipated to move forward this week on two Senate bills packaged as part of the Democrats’ Climate Accountability initiative, introduced earlier this session. This powerful…

JDSupra

ISS Annual Benchmark Policy Survey: Crucial Insights for Corporate Governance and ESG Standards in 2024

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS) announced on August 29, 2023, the initiation of its Annual Benchmark Policy Survey, a routine yet vital enterprise in shaping ISS’s policy development for the forthcoming years. The announcement was reported by JD Supra. Despite the minimal available information for the time being, it is implicit that the results collated…

JDSupra

EPA Announces Federal Enforcement Priorities for 2024-2027: Implications for Corporations and Legal Professionals

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently announced its federal enforcement priorities for the years 2024 to 2027. This crucial development comes as a decision made on the heels of confirming the U.S. EPA’s assistant administrator within the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. Every four years, the U.S. EPA selects its National Enforcement…

JDSupra

WOTUS Definition Revised in Response to Supreme Court Ruling

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Agencies) released an immediate, revised definition of the “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) on August 29, 2023. This new rulemaking is a direct response to the recent Supreme Court ruling in the Sackett v. EPA case. In Sackett v. EPA,…

Law.com

Data Storage’s Hidden Carbon Footprint: The Environmental Impact Companies Cannot Ignore

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

As summer temperatures surge and so-called ‘heat dome’ weather phenomena become more frequent, increasing environmental concerns are pushing corporations to reevaluate their carbon footprints. Much of the discourse around this issue is not novel – we’re familiar with the calls to drive less, recycle more, and curb our consumption of plastics. However, an often-overlooked contributor…