Delivering a key component of the European Green Deal umbrella policy that it adopted in December 2019, the European Commission issued 15 legislative proposals, accompanied by three non-legislative communications in July 2021. With the supporting documents, e.g. impact assessments, the package adds up to around 4,200 pages. It includes the following initiatives:
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July 2021 Update: frESH Law Horizons: Key Developments in UK and EU Environment, Safety and Health Law, Procedure and Policy
Our Environmental, Safety & Health team is pleased to share with you the latest edition of our monthly newsletter, frESH Law Horizons: Key Developments in UK & EU Environment, Safety and Health Law and Procedure; providing bite-size updates on EU and UK law, procedure and policy.
The updates covered in this month’s edition include (among…
US EPA Takes AIM at HFCs
It’s déjà vu all over again. Over the course of more than thirty years, EPA and industry partners successfully wound down usage of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) in Title VI of the Clean Air Act, enacted following the 1987 Montreal Protocol. Under SNAP, HCFCs and CFCs…
Significant Activity Follows US EPA’s TSCA Asbestos Risk Evaluation

The US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) December 30, 2020 issuance of its risk evaluation for asbestos under Section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) has generated considerable attention and activity, which will likely keep interested parties and the courts busy for quite some time.
As background, TSCA Section 6 requires EPA to prepare risk…
The UK Environment Bill – How Will Air Quality Be Protected?

The Environment Bill, which is completing its passage through the UK parliament, represents the government’s vision of a framework for environmental regulation and governance in the UK post-Brexit. The government has promised that the Bill will deliver cleaner air for all, but how will this ambition be achieved and what happens if it is not?
Find out more as Anita Lloyd, from Squire…
What Automakers Should Expect From Biden’s DOT
Under the Biden administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation is likely to be more active in setting federal standards for vehicle safety, fuel economy and emissions, and to return to more robust safety enforcement, so automakers should update compliance programs and foster constructive relationships with regulators, write Patricia Doersch in this January 25, 2021, article…
The Future of Green Energy – UK Perspective
Climate Policy, Automation, Climate and Ethics (PACE) are at the heart of significant global changes that in turn affect corporate behaviours and governance.
On 23 November 2020, we hosted a panel discussion on The Future of Green Energy. Joined by The Rt. Hon. Kwasi Kwarteng, Richard Gwilliam at Drax, Helen Boyle at Cadent Gas, Victoria Merton…
Judicial Review of US Lead Hazard Rule Suggests Debate Will Continue
One of the key “non-scope considerations” commonly investigated during environmental due diligence
for commercial property transfers is assessment of any lead impacts from lead-based paint (LBP) and lead dust. Although the use of LBP was banned in 1978, many structures constructed before that date retain LBP on surfaces. As that LBP deteriorates over…
Climate Change Lawsuit Reaches the US Supreme Court
The US Supreme Court recently granted certiorari in an important climate change lawsuit, BP P.L.C. v. Mayor and City Council of Baltimore. The lawsuit pits the Mayor and City of Baltimore against twenty-six multinational oil and gas companies that Baltimore claims are responsible for climate change. Baltimore alleges that the companies contributed to climate change…
Revised UK REACH Roadmap: Are You Ready For the New UK Chemical Regulation?
At the end of the transitional period, on 31 December 2020, the chemical regulation EU REACH will cease to apply in the UK. This will automatically invalidate EU REACH registrations and authorisations held by UK companies. A stand-alone UK chemical regulation UK REACH will replace EU REACH in the UK. UK-based EU REACH registrants, therefore, need…