February 7, 2024
by Andrew Lloyd Bellah
Climate change
Regulations
Proposed changes to regulations affecting banks in the United States could potentially jeopardize wind, solar and other renewable energy projects that have relied on tax-equity financing to get off the ground, drawing criticism to regulators charged with the long-term stability of the financial system. The proposed rules, which require banks to hold greater reserves against direct investments in clean energy projects, play into a broader debate over whether a transition to sustainable energy and mitigating the existential risk of climate change fall within the purview of the Fed and other financial regulators.
February 1, 2024
by Samantha Cristol
Climate change
Sustainability
The construction industry has a complicated relationship with climate change. This post examines how legal tools can be used to simultaneously encourage emissions reduction and increase community resilience.
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.
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?
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…
November 6, 2023
by Andrew Bellah
Climate change
Sustainability
In this post, Andrew Bellah, analogizes contemporary derivative contracts with sealed clay pot practices in ancient Mesopotamia, and analyzes their potential utility in a future threatened by climate change.
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.
October 10, 2023
by Jesse Valente
Climate change
Energy
Oil and Gas
As COP28 approaches, this article explores the controversial role of big oil in climate talks and questions whether their involvement could compromise the summit's goals for urgent climate action.
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.
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.