This new law is incredibly broad applying to California businesses and businesses organized outside of the state
Net Zero, Carbon Offsets and more Now Require Disclosures
US EPA Issues Final Rule on PFAS Relating to Community Right-to-Know and Pollution Prevention Acts
On October 18, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention submitted a final rule for publication in the Federal Register, amending 40 CFR Part 372, involving reporting requirements for per- and polyfluroalkyl substances (PFAS) and supplier notifications for chemicals of special concern. The rule becomes effective 30 days after publication and applies to the reporting year 2024, with reports due July 1, 2025.
New EPA Rule on PFAS: Urgent Action Required for Manufacturers & Importers
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new rule concerning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”). Companies that have made or brought products containing these chemicals into the U.S. since 2011 need to report certain information to the EPA. This rule mainly affects those who make or import items that have PFAS in them.
OSHA’s proposed HazCom standard update imposes new burdens
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) has recently submitted to the White House Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) a final rule to update its Hazard Communication Standard (“HazCom”), which regulates the classification and labeling of hazardous chemicals in the workplace. The rule aims to align the HazCom with the latest version of the
Brazil Sets Global Precedent: First Nation to Embrace ISSB Sustainability Financial Reports
The Brazilian Securities Commission (“CVM“) made a significant announcement on October 20, 2023, by introducing CVM’s Rule No. 193. This resolution provides comprehensive guidance on the creation and dissemination of sustainability information reports, specifically the IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, as outlined by the International Sustainability Standards Board (“ISSB“), which are aligned with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) and the criteria set by the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (“SASB”).
New Report Details Massachusetts Whole-of-Government Approach to Climate Crisis
Yesterday, Massachusetts Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer issued a report detailing how “to implement the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s whole-of-government approach to addressing the climate crisis.” The report identifies trends, barriers, and gaps in Massachusetts climate policy, establishes guiding principles for whole-of-government climate action, and offers recommendations to strengthen the “climate-related practices and policies of executive department agencies.”
Webcast — Expansion of Transmission Grid Needed to Support Reliability and Renewable Integration: Why It Matters for a Decarbonized Future
We discuss key regulatory trends and strategies to consider when pursing US transmission and interconnection opportunities.
By Tyler Brown, Marc T. Campopiano, and Jennifer K. Roy
Renewable energy production has grown at an exponential clip over the past decade, with continued strong expansion expected because of declining costs, numerous governmental incentives, and long-term decarbonization policies. This trend has driven a tremendous demand for new transmission infrastructure in the US and globally, yet new transmission lines often take years to develop due to regulatory hurdles and litigation challenges.
An unprecedented investment in transmission will be needed over upcoming decades to keep pace with demand and meet decarbonization goals. Companies and investors will need to factor into their strategies these key regulatory trends when pursuing US and global transmission and generator interconnection opportunities.
Enforcement of the South Coast AQMD’s Warehouse Rule Is Coming
Two recent developments indicate that enforcement of California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Warehouse Indirect Source Rule is coming soon.
State and Federal PFAS Litigation – 2019 to Q3 2023
PFAS-related litigation continues to climb and to diversify as to claims and parties. See the attached graphics, updated through the third quarter of 2023. We will continue to update these graphics on a quarterly basis.
European Union Advances Mandatory ESG Reporting Standards
A set of mandatory environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting standards, the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), are set to enter into force in the European Union (EU) at the end of this year. These standards require mandatory ESG reporting for certain companies that do business in the EU. This summary provides an overview of who is subject to the CSRD and when, summarizes key information covered under this initial set of standards, highlights technical guidance from the entity that created the standards, and discusses planned future development of additional standards.