Do power producers focus on climate change policies instead of infrastructure safety and resiliency?
In the wake of the tragic fires in Maui, troubling details are emerging regarding how utility companies are allocating resources to meet regulatory demands. At this writing, the Maui fires are reported to have taken approximately 115 lives, caused over 1,000 people to be missing and destroyed hundreds of buildings. The fires are the deadliest […]
EPA power plant rules will force plant closures and impact energy supplies | Environmental Law
Fresh off proposing Clean Air Act vehicle emission rules in April that will mandate electric vehicles, on May 10, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued proposed rules that will dramatically reduce existing fossil fuel power plants. While the Supreme Court blocked President Obama’s Clean Power Plan last summer, EPA has gone back to the […]
EPA proposes new vehicle emission rules to mandate electric vehicles | Environmental Law
If you like your gas-powered car or truck, you cannot keep it according to the Biden administration’s proposed Clean Air Act vehicle emission rules. On April 12, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued a proposed rule for carbon dioxide emissions that limits the amount generated by cars and trucks from 2027 through 2032. In […]
Environmental Law: NY Climate Action plan would mean major transition for residents, businesses
As we have reported on in past columns, New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) calls for greenhouse gas reduction from 1990 levels of 40% by 2030 and 85% by 2050. Consequently, New York is seeking renewable energy generation targets of 70% by 2030 and 100% emissions free by 2040. These targets are […]
Environmental Law: Biden administration green energy policies run aground after OPEC slashes oil production
As we have previously reported in this column, American energy policy and the focus on climate change have been a central tenet of the Biden administration. Shortly after inauguration, the president signed an executive order declaring climate change a crisis, initiated a number of climate-based actions, and halted construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. In […]
Environmental Law: Biden signs Inflation Reduction Act with significant climate, energy policy provisions
On Aug. 12, the House of Representatives passed the Inflation Reduction Act. It was signed by President Biden on Aug. 16. The bill is a scaled-back version of his proposed Build Back Better Plan that was agreed to after West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin and Arizona Sen. Krysten Sinema agreed to go along with the […]
Environmental Law: Biden Administration seems intent on forcing New Green Deal transition to renewables
As we have reported on previously in this column, climate change policies have been a focus under the Biden administration. Immediately after taking the oath of office, the president signed an executive order declaring climate change a crisis, initiated a number of climate-based actions, and halted construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. In the subsequent […]
Environmental Law: NY taking aggressive climate policy action with legislation and regulations
In past columns we have reported on the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which was adopted by Gov. Cuomo in 2020. The CLCPA requires that New York State limit greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from all sectors (power generation, transportation, industrial/institutional facilities, etc.) to 60% of 1990 emissions by 2030 and 15% by 2050. […]
Environmental Law: Biden Administration electric vehicle mandate faces practical, economic challenges
On Aug. 5, President Joe Biden announced that he would sign an Executive Order that sets the ambitious goal of making one-half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 zero emission vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric or fuel cell electric vehicles. While the goals are in line with Biden’s initial Executive Order on […]
Biden administration restricts U.S. pipelines and fuel supplies but not international pipelines
As we have reported on earlier this year, energy policy and climate change focus have taken a dramatic turn under the Biden administration. Hours after the oath of office the president signed an executive order declaring climate change a crisis, initiated a number of climate-based actions and halted construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. Recent […]
Environmental Law: Biden administration proposes major green policies under infrastructure plan
The Biden administration announced a major infrastructure plan captioned the American Jobs Plan in March 2021 with massive $2.3 trillion expenditures and a broad definition of what counts for infrastructure. The proposal addresses bridges and roads to an extent but delves into climate change and energy re-structuring in a major way. In particular, the plan […]
Environmental Law: Potential environmental policies in a new presidential administration
With the presidential election concluded and a new Biden administration on the horizon in 2021, it’s useful to look ahead to potential environmental policies that may be implemented. Although environmental policy changes from administration to administration, the switch from one party to the other carries the potential for dramatic change and national impacts. While the […]
Case Digests
- Court of Appeals – Speedy trial: People v. Justice A.
- Fourth Department – Traffic stop: People v. McMillon
- Second Circuit – Fair Labor Standards Act: Abbott v. Comme Des Garcons, Ltd.
- Second Circuit – Plea agreements: Cook v. United States
- Fourth Department: Statute of limitations: Marino v. Weiler
- Fourth Department – Nail and mail service: Rebutting presumption of service L&W Supply Corporation v. Built-Rite Drywall Corp, et al
- Fourth Department – Mental Hygiene Law: Charles L. v. State of New York
- Second Circuit – Medicaid and Medicare certification: U.S. ex rel. Quartararo v. Cath. Health Sys. Of Long Island Inc.
- Fourth Department – Waiver of indictment: People v. King
- Fourth Department – Speedy trial: People v. Jordan
- Fourth Department – Rosario material: People v. Dennard
- Second Circuit – Magnuson-Stevens Act: State of New York v. Raimondo
Law News
- Split court affirms gun conviction
- N.Y. Court of Appeals reverses gun conviction
- NY board approves cannabis lawsuit settlements, paves way for retail dispensaries
- NY Court of Appeals reverses murder conviction because of illegal police search
- NY Court of Appeals reverses gun conviction over ineffective counsel
- Split court affirms gun conviction, finding search and arrest were legal
- NY appeals court vacates drug conviction over illegal police search
- Split Court of Appeals strips Police Accountability Board of disciplinary power