Online Articles

The cattle industry, a major polluter, seems a natural target for more aggressive environmental regulation.

What’s for Dinner? The Environmental Regulatory Landscape Provides a Battleground for States to Fight Over the Meat Industry

January 5, 2024 by Eli Merkadeau Climate change Regulations State and Local

Against the backdrop of a Supreme Court highly skeptical of agency action, the meat industry has seen legislation from both states seeking environmental improvements and states looking to support their meat producers. Given the Court’s willingness to defer to impactful state legislation, states may be allowed to duke it out and try to exert control over the production of meat and meat alternatives on a national level.

Lush community garden tucked between colorful homes.

Thinking – and Acting – Expansively to Fight Climate Change

November 20, 2023 by Rachel Garwin Climate change State and Local Sustainability

Can broadening visions for climate action and building solidarity across social movements protect against climate anxiety and encourage the urgent emissions reductions needed by the end of the decade?

Plaintiffs in Held arrive for the final day of the historic trial. Credit: Thom Bridge, Independent Record via AP

What Held v. Montana immediately offers for Constitutional Environmental Rights

November 16, 2023 by Matthew Grabianski Climate change Litigation State and Local

Held v. Montana,[1] decided by Montana state court Judge Kathy Seeley last August, is already widely recognized as a landmark case in environmental law.[2] Much has been written about the ruling, which struck down a Montana provision that forbade state…

A lack of focus on carbon capture harms the global community’s ability to keep the world’s average temperature below 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Carbon Capture: Clearing Confusion and Calling Attention

October 19, 2023 by Sera Simpson Air Climate change

Carbon capture and storage is a complicated technology whose use and value confuses many. To address this confusion, this article explains the importance of carbon capture and provides solutions to support its development.

Flash Flooding Across Roadways in Flatbush, Brooklyn New York on September 29th, 2023.

Disclosure is Not Enough: Assessing New York’s New Flood Disclosure Laws in Light of New Flooding

October 6, 2023 by Connor Kolet Climate change Regulations State and Local

After New York City experienced shocking flash floods on September 29th, its lack of long-term solutions to chronic flooding has come under media scrutiny. In this article, Connor Kolet addresses the shortcomings of new short-term disclosure policies for renters in flood zones, and why more needs to be done for low income and vulnerable tenants.

City skyline in orange haze

Inadequate Protections for Workers In a Warming World

October 2, 2023 by Agnes Enochs Air Climate change Litigation State and Local

July 2023 was the hottest month on record. As extreme temperatures become the norm, many workers find themselves without adequate workplace protections. With heat-related deaths on the rise, more must be done to secure workers' safety in a warming world.

A consumer considers which product to buy off the shelf and seems interested in one that claims to be “green.”

GREENWASHING: The Beginning or End of an Era of Environmental Deception?

September 28, 2023 by Charlie Dwight Chemicals Climate change Litigation Regulations

As American consumers focus more on how their consumption habits impact the environment, companies are seeking to capitalize by claiming their products are “green” even if these claims are dubious – a practice known as greenwashing. In this article, Charlie Dwight walks through the legal landscape of greenwashing and argues FTC and SEC enforcement would help crack down on the practice.

Oil rigs operate in the ocean surrounded by floating sea ice (Creative Commons | Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement)

Climate Change, the Willow Project, and U.S. Security: a Maelstrom of Unreadiness

September 11, 2023 by Blake Hite Climate change Oil and Gas

Oil has long been a key factor in U.S. national security considerations. In this article, author Blake Hite argues the combination of climate change and oil extraction in the Arctic poses unique national security concerns that should be considered before U.S. officials approve additional Arctic drilling.