DuPont/Chemours Trial. On June 30, 2025, the next bench trial phase or “mini-trial” commenced in NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIROMENTAL PROTECTION, ET AL., VS. E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY, ET AL., Docket No. 19-cv-14766 (RMB/JBC) before the Honorable Renée Marie Bumb of the Federal District of New Jersey (Camden). However, this mini-trial on
AB 130 and SB 131: California Legislature Enacts CEQA Reform to Accelerate Housing Development
On June 30, 2025, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills into law (AB 130 and SB 131) that include reform measures to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Agricultural Law Weekly Review—July 22, 2025
This Friday July 25 at Noon: Understanding the Basics of ADA Compliance for Agritourism Operations—Free Attorney PACLE!
International Trade: Commerce Department Withdraws from 2019 Mexican Fresh Tomato Agreement, Issues Antidumping Duties 
On July 17, 2025, the U.S. International Trade Administration (ITA) Department of Commerce published in the Federal Register a notice (90 FR
Minnesota Extends Its PFAS-in-Products Reporting DeadlineAfter Significant Public Comments
After evaluating public comments on its proposed PFAS-in-products reporting rules (see our previous posts here and here), the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has agreed to exercise its authority under section 116.943 of the Minnesota Statutes (Amara’s Law) and extend the deadline for manufacturers (including importers) to comply with the statute’s reporting requirements
New Department of Interior Review May Heighten Scrutiny and Lengthen Permitting Timelines for Some Wind and Solar Projects
On July 15, 2025, the Department of Interior (DOI) issued a memorandum titled, “Departmental Review Procedures for Decisions, Actions, Consultations, and other Undertakings Related to Wind and Solar Energy Facilities” (the Memo). The Memo directs federal agencies within DOI to elevate a nonexclusive list of 69 categories of routine permitting activities related to
Shale Law Weekly Review—Week of July 21, 2025
National Energy Policy: Executive Order Revokes Renewable Energy Subsidies
On July 7, 2025, the White House issued an executive order to end federal subsidies for wind, solar, and other energy sources. The order directs the Secretary of the Treasury “to strictly enforce the termination of the clean electricity production and investment tax credits.” The order
Wait, What? Major Changes to CEQA Slip into Law via Deft Maneuvering
Much is discussed every year in the Legislature about how the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) needs reform. But the calls for change nearly always fail, aside from a few tinkering changes. This year is different. Via some deft political maneuvering to bypass the typical roadblocks to reform, major changes to CEQA have been enacted
CARB Releases FAQs Addressing Upcoming California Climate Disclosures
On July 9, 2025, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) released a series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to its efforts to implement California’s landmark climate disclosure laws, SB 253 (requiring reporting of GHG emissions) and SB 261 (requiring disclosure of climate-related financial risks). Although draft implementing regulations are not anticipated before December
EU Member States Agree on CSRD/CSDDD Omnibus Negotiating Mandate
On June 23, 2025 the Council of the EU, which represents the 27 EU Member States, agreed on its negotiating mandate for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (“CSRD”) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (“CSDDD”) omnibus simplification.
This follows the European Commission’s omnibus proposal from February and is the next step in the EU’s legislative
State Budget Bill Includes Landmark CEQA and Housing Law Changes
On June 30, 2025, Governor Newsom signed AB 130 and SB 131 into immediately effective law as budget trailer bills, marking a historic effort to accelerate housing production and to reform the CEQA review process that has been stifling housing and other essential projects across California. These landmark laws effect substantial changes intended to streamline