California’s drive toward a net-zero carbon economy by 2045 is sparking innovative solutions to harmonize environmental conservation with infrastructure development. Assembly Bill (AB) 550, sponsored by Assembly Member Petrie-Norris, aims to amend the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) by permitting renewable energy projects to take unlisted but “at-risk” species. The proposed legislation recognizes the dual imperative of advancing clean energy while conserving California’s biodiversity.
Administrators May Change, But PFAS Is Forever: EPA Announces PFAS Plan
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under Administrator Lee Zeldin, has unveiled its anticipated strategy for addressing the pervasive issue of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.” While the announcement provides a broad framework, specific details (particularly regarding potential changes to previous rulemakings under CERCLA and the Safe Drinking Water
Are Your CEQA Thresholds Supported by Substantial Evidence? Fourth District Rules San Diego County’s Thresholds of Significance Used in Transportation Plan Lack Supporting Substantial Evidence
In Cleveland National Forest Foundation v. County of San Diego (2025) 109 Cal. App.5th 1257, the Fourth District Court of Appeal invalidated two thresholds of significance adopted by the County of San Diego (“County”) that in certain circumstances would have avoided the need for a project proponent to perform an analysis of vehicle miles travelled.
Agricultural Law Weekly Review—May 6, 2025
This Friday! May 9, 2025, Understanding the Basics of PA Ag Exemptions for Inheritance Tax and Other Real Estate Transfers (rescheduled)
Pesticides/Herbicides: EPA Publishes Final Insecticide Strategy for Federally Listed Species
On April 29, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its final Insecticide Strategy, which the agency states “represents a framework that
Federal Agencies Take Steps to Narrow Application of Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act
The Trump administration changes course on regulatory interpretations relating to the scope of protections for endangered and threatened species and migratory birds.
By Nikki Buffa, Jennifer K. Roy, Lucas I. Quass, and Samantha K. Seikkula
Federal agencies took steps in April 2025 to narrow (i) habitat protections for federally listed endangered or
Understanding New York’s Proposed Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program: Key Insights and Comparative Analysis
The proposal targets large emissions sources and specific industries, focusing on data collection only.
By Joshua T. Bledsoe, Jean-Philippe Brisson, Betty M. Huber, Shawna Strecker, and Catherine G. Willis
On March 26, 2025, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) announced proposed regulations that would establish a mandatory greenhouse
Shale Law Weekly Review—Week of May 5, 2025
National Energy Policy: Bureau of Land Management and Office of Management and Budget Consider Rescinding Two Rules
On April 14, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) announced that it, along with the Bureau of Land Management, is reviewing two Rules for possible rescission. Announcement One and
NYC Local Law 97 Emissions Limits Take Effect. Now What?
NYC Local Law 97 establishes strict carbon emissions limits for large buildings throughout New York City. This blog post examines LL97’s legal implications, including compliance strategies, enforcement risks, and the broader impact on the real estate market.
It’s Official, the Transfer Act will be “Sunset”
For the last 40 years, the Connecticut Transfer Act has primarily driven the remediation of contaminated property in Connecticut—this will change early next year.
Currently, the Connecticut Transfer Act (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22a-134 et seq.) requires site-wide investigation, and potential remediation, upon the “transfer” of an “establishment” as defined by the Transfer Act.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service Propose to Rescind the Regulatory Definition of “Harm” Under Endangered Species Act
On April 17, 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (“USFWS”) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (“NMFS”) (collectively the “Services”) published a notice in the Federal Register of a proposed rulemaking that would rescind the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”). The ESA prohibits “take” of threatened and endangered species.