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The Art Of The Green New Deal

March 6, 2019 by Sophie White Climate change Energy

The recent emergence of the ambitious Green New Deal has quickly shaped the conversation on climate change on Capitol Hill and on the campaign trail. But what is the Green New Deal and is it really a deal at all?

Is drilling “essential”?: Oil and gas leasing and permitting in the 2019 shutdown

March 1, 2019 by Sara Divett Energy Fossil Fuels Natural Resources Regulations

The Trump administration issued oil and gas drilling permits during the most recent shutdown without approval or appropriations by Congress and without following procedures for public participation. Can the administration really do this? If not, how do environmentalists prevent this from happening in future shutdowns?

Did You Get the Memo? Latest Guidance from Trump’s EPA Sparks Controversy

February 21, 2019 by Kathryn Priester Air Energy Federal Rollbacks Fossil Fuels Litigation Regulations

Environmental groups and the State of California are up in arms over an EPA memo scrapping a decades-old Clean Air Act policy. Will the DC Circuit weigh in on the EPA’s use of “guidance” to drastically shift US regulatory policy?

Legislating a Net-Zero Emissions Future

February 21, 2019 by Isabelle Smith Energy Renewable Energy Sustainability

A successful transition to a low emissions economy and a prosperous, climate resilient future. The call to action for states to achieve this reality has never been stronger. But is it possible? With a new Zero Carbon Bill on the table and strong consultation feedback, Aotearoa, New Zealand may be about to show the world how.

By Isabelle Smith, Guest Contributor

Waiving Hello to the Wall: The Supreme Court's Denial of a Constitutional Challenge to Environmental Law Waivers at the U.S.-Mexico Border

February 14, 2019 by Claire Fischer Endangered Species Federal Rollbacks Wildlife

The fight over the U.S.-Mexico border wall has sparked a very public debate in the United States. One lesser-known issue surrounding President Trump’s border wall, however, is its effect on the environment. The Supreme Court recently denied certiorari to three conservation groups seeking to halt border wall construction projects that failed to comply with long-standing environmental laws and harmed existing habitats. But why was this construction permitted in the first place?

Leaving Investors in the Dark: the SEC’s Growing Silence on Guidance Related to the Business and Legal Developments on Climate Change

February 7, 2019 by Capriel Stevenson Climate change Federal Rollbacks Regulations

The physical impacts of climate change affect companies and their profitability drastically. The SEC released guidance in 2010 urging companies to disclose the risks from climate change but has not further urged companies in recent years. Instead, the SEC has shifted towards regulating other issues the current administration has prioritized, leaving investors in the dark about the financial impacts climate change has on businesses.