On May 11, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued guidance intended to streamline the review and issuance of Title V operating permits under the Clean Air Act. This guidance may effectively reduce Title V permitting timelines, particularly where public opposition is limited. EPA’s guidance promotes parallel EPA and public comment reviews, earlier permit
European Commission publishes revised ESRS for consultation
On 6 May 2026, the European Commission (“EC”) published its consultation on draft final revised European Sustainability Reporting Standards (“ESRS”), alongside a draft voluntary reporting standard for certain SMEs (“VSME”). The revised ESRS are intended to simplify sustainability reporting under the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (“CSRD”) by reducing mandatory datapoints by more than 60%
Environmental Permitting for AI Data Centers: Federal Acceleration, Federal Lands, and State Resistance
The environmental permitting landscape for data centers is shifting rapidly, with federal and state regulators often pulling in opposite directions. The Trump Administration has moved to accelerate federal environmental review and to open federal lands for data center siting. States and localities have responded by tightening scrutiny of the energy, water, and land use impacts
The Packaging EPR Lawsuit You’re Not Watching—But Should Be
If you follow extended producer responsibility (EPR) litigation, your inbox has been full of updates about Oregon. For good reason: the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) filed suit in federal court in July 2025 challenging the constitutionality of Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, secured a preliminary injunction in February 2026, and has a
DOE Issues Updated Guidance for Energy Dominance Financing Program
The Department of Energy’s updated Title 17 program guidance implements the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, broadening eligible energy infrastructure while shifting program priorities toward energy dominance, grid reliability, and critical minerals supply chain security.
NRC Finalizes Generic Environmental Impact Statement for New Nuclear Reactors
The NRC’s new approach to environmental review has the potential to streamline approvals for a range of nuclear projects.
By Nikki Buffa, Karl Karg, Aron Potash, Lucas Quass, and Samantha Yeager
Key Points:
- The GEIS covers a wide range of NRC licensing actions for new reactors, including construction permits, operating licenses,
Cal/OSHA’s Draft Workplace Violence Standard: What Employers Should Know
By: Ilana Morady
Cal/OSHA recently issued a revised draft of its general industry workplace violence prevention standard, offering the clearest indication yet of how the Division intends to build on SB 553. Although the rule is not final, the current draft reflects meaningful stakeholder input and signals where compliance expectations are likely headed. Employers should
CEQ Issues Revised Guidance on Categorical Exclusions
The Council on Environmental Quality issued revised guidance that clarifies the use of categorical exclusions in environmental reviews and outlines updated documentation and review expectations for federal agencies.
EPA’s Draft Contaminant Candidate List Triggers Regulatory Considerations and Opportunities for Drinking Water Treatment Technologies
Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 6) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and released it for public comment. CCL 6 identifies contaminants that are not yet regulated but are known or anticipated to occur in public water systems and may require future regulation.
NY DEC Finalizes SEQRA Regulations to Implement Environmental Justice Siting Law
On April 28, 2026, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation filed a Notice of Adoption to amend 6 NYCRR Part 617, DEC’s State Environmental Quality Review Act regulations.