As we previously covered, California has been working towards the development of “green hydrogen,” i.e., hydrogen fuel produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity. Most stakeholders acknowledge that green hydrogen is a critical (but predominantly untapped) resource that offers many climate and energy benefits.[1] In a significant
Highlights from COP 27: Finance Day
After the opening two days of COP27 – which were focused on the High Level Segment (HLS) dedicated to Heads of State and Government – today, November 9, was the first day of the ‘main COP’ with the opening of negotiations on official texts and agreements. Reports are that the opening phases of the talks are positive. Appropriately, given tensions earlier this week over financing for loss and damage, today was billed as Finance Day.
Live Presentation: Are You Ready to Measure and Report Building GHG Emissions?
This is a completely new and emergent area of regulation where businesses across America are for the first time being required to report their greenhouse gases.
Greenberg Traurig’s Energy & Natural Resources Practice Recognized in 2023 ‘Best Law Firms’ Report
Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP received the most first-tier national rankings in the U.S. News – Best Lawyers 2023 “Best Law Firms” report for the 12th consecutive year and received the most national and metro rankings of any law firm included in the report.
According to U.S. News – Best Lawyers, firms included in
OSHA Significantly Increases the Number of Investigators
By James L. Curtis, Adam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: With a larger base of compliance officers, OSHA has significantly increased its ability to conduct on-site inspections and reorient its enforcement strategies.
OSHA’s budget was essentially flat during the Trump Administration. As health care costs increased and compliance safety and
Highlights from COP 27: Financing Takes Center Stage
Yesterday, November 8th, was the second day of the ‘High Level Segment for Heads of State and Government’ with a focus on their speeches and declarations. The real business of COP will begin in earnest today when most of the senior politicians have departed.
Financing for Climate Loss and Damage in Vulnerable Countries
Climate loss and damage is quickly emerging as the key point of contention at this COP and foreshadows a more tense meeting than last year’s in Glasgow. This issue has been moving up the agenda and recent extreme climate events have increased the perceived urgency around this topic, particularly for vulnerable countries.
COP27: From Grey Glasgow to Sunny Sharm
The 27th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) has opened in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, against a global backdrop of massive hikes in energy prices, inflation, increases in interest rates and uncertainty about the robustness of the implementation of the ESG regulatory agenda (particularly in the US). In 2022, heat waves in Europe killed more than 15,000 people and nearly 1,700 died as a result of flooding in Pakistan. Hurricane Ian caused widespread devastation. A recent report by economist Nicholas Stern stated that $2 trillion (£1.75 trillion) per year will be needed by 2030 to help developing countries cut their greenhouse gas emissions and cope with the effects of climate breakdown —switching away from fossil fuels, investing in renewable energy and other low-carbon technology, and coping with the impacts of extreme weather.
With existing commitments to climate finance yet to be met and national policies not yet consistent with the objective of limiting global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius, this year’s COP has its work cut out. What can realistically be hoped for as outcomes of COP27?
Offshore Wind Comes to the Gulf of Mexico
After the landmark prices received for eight offshore wind leases in the New York Bight, and with great anticipation for the upcoming December 6, 2022, lease auction for the Humboldt and Morro Bay Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) off the coast of California, the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is turning its sights to the Gulf of Mexico. The Biden Administration’s announced goal of developing thirty (30) gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy by 2030 now includes two WEAs in the Gulf of Mexico with the potential of producing up to 3 GW of power.
City of Philadelphia Joins the Fray in Suit Against PFAS Manufacturers
On November 4, 2022, the City of Philadelphia filed suit against companies it alleges manufactured or distributed PFAS-containing AFFF and/or other PFAS Products. The City asserts claims in its capacity as a water provider, a wastewater treatment operator, and as an owner of property, e.g., the Philadelphia International Airport. The action appears to have been
U.S. Interior Department Initiates Actions to Protect Colorado River System, Reduce Deliveries
Building on the Department of the Interior’s August 2022 announcement addressing the ongoing “megadrought” crisis in the Western United States, and October 2022 announcement that provided new “drought resilience” and mitigation funding opportunities, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Bureau) on Oct. 28, 2022, published a notice of intent (Notice) to prepare a supplemental environmental