ESG + Law Institute Executive Director and Paul, Weiss Sustainability and ESG Advisory Practice Co-Chair Dave Curran and Paul, Weiss ESG Practice Director Madhuri Pavamani outline key ESG trends for companies to consider as they prepare for 2024 in an “Expert Opinion” column in Corporate Counsel.
The article, “2024 ESG Outlook: Key Trends to Follow,”
Recognising the threat of climate change and the importance of sustainable development, Singapore has made a commitment to establishing a robust framework of environmental and climate change laws and regulations – an unprecedented initiative in the Southeast Asia region.
Singapore launched its key environmental strategy in 2021 with the Singapore Green Plan 2030, a
The target aims to set the path for climate neutrality by 2050.
By Paul A. Davies, Michael D. Green, and James Bee
On 6 February 2024, the European Commission (Commission) presented its recommendations for the EU’s 2040 climate target, following a detailed impact assessment on potential emission reduction pathways. This publication aligns with the implementation of the EU’s Climate Law, which enshrines the EU’s commitment to become climate-neutral by 2050, alongside the 2030 target to reduce net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 55%, relative to 1990.
The Commission recommends a 90% net GHG reduction by 2040, as compared to 1990 levels. Notably, the recommendation refers to “net” GHG reduction, and therefore opens the door for the use of carbon removal technologies within the EU to meet the target.
For federal agencies seeking to complete rulemaking before the end of the Biden Administration, the clock is ticking, and a number of important deadlines are fast approaching. One of the most important deadlines could be the Congressional Review Act’s (CRA’s) so-called “look-back” provision.
The CRA mandates agencies provide Congress an opportunity to review and possibly overturn rules. To overturn a rule, both houses of Congress must pass a joint resolution of disapproval, and it must be signed by the President. If a CRA resolution is enacted, it invalidates the rule in question and bars the agency from issuing another rule in “substantially the same form” as the disapproved rule. 5 U.S.C. § 801(b)(2). If a rule has already taken effect by the time it is set aside via the CRA, it will no longer be in effect and “shall be treated as though such rule had never taken effect.” 5 U.S.C. § 801(f).
On January 31, 2024, EPA published a press release announcing the impending publication of two proposed rules relating to PFAS and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA): (1) “Definition of Hazardous Waste Applicable to Corrective Action from Solid Waste Management Units” and (2) “Listing of Specific PFAS as Hazardous Constituents.”
Definition of Hazardous
On February 1, 2024, EPA released two proposed rules under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) that will advance EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap. These two actions would subject certain PFAS—and potentially other emerging contaminants—to RCRA corrective action and may also be a precursor to EPA listing certain PFAS as hazardous waste under RCRA. Once published in the Federal Register, comments on the Definition Rule will be due in 30 days, and comments on the PFAS Hazardous Constituent Rule will be due in 60 days.
Proposed regulations clarify FEOC restrictions and clean vehicle tax credit compliance for manufacturers aiming to produce eligible EVs.
By Jean-Philippe Brisson, Jim Cole, Eli M. Katz, Qingyi Pan, Rob Thompson, J. Dylan White, and Sam Wong
As countries around the world accelerate the transition to clean energy, the race
EPA’s transfer of primary enforcement authority to states for carbon capture and storage projects may decrease permitting delays but raise legal questions.
By Nikki Buffa, Joshua Bledsoe, Jennifer Roy, Michael Dreibelbis, Brian McCall, Austin Wruble, and Sam Wong
Louisiana has become the third state in the United States to
Please join Greenberg Traurig, IDE Technologies, and several distinguished panelists for insightful presentations, interactive discussions, and enriching experiences as we examine the path to a more sustainable and efficient water future. The event “Solving Today’s Water Infrastructure Challenges – Forever Chemicals, Water Plant Innovation, and More” will be held at GT’s Miami office