Free Newsletter
What the Norlite decision means for New York’s Green Amendment
In 2021, New York voters approved what has become known as the “Green Amendment,” adding a new provision to the New York State Constitution declaring that every person has “a right to clean air and water, and a healthful environment.”
EPA moves to repeal greenhouse gas endangerment finding
In early January 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) submitted a draft final rule to the Trump administration for review that would repeal what is commonly known as the “endangerment finding” for greenhouse gases under the federal Clean Air Act.
New York court orders DEC to finalize climate regulations under CLCPA
On October 24, 2025, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was directed by the Albany County Supreme Court in the case Citizen Action of New York et al v. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (Index No. 903160-25, NYSCEF Doc. No. 93) to promulgate final regulations implementing the emissions-reduction mandates of the Climate Leadership and Community P[...]
New York’s Green Amendment moves from ballot to courtroom
When New Yorkers went to the polls in November 2021, more than 70% voted in favor of adding a new environmental right to the State Constitution.
Court upholds NYC Local Law 97 on building emissions
New York’s top court affirms NYC’s Local Law 97, reinforcing local authority to regulate building emissions alongside state climate goals.
US DOJ sues four states to block climate deception litigation, climate superfund legislation
Trump administration sues four states to block climate laws, raising key legal questions about state powers, fossil fuel liability, and federal preemption.
New York’s Climate Change Superfund Act challenged by 22 states
On December 26, 2024, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law the Climate Change Superfund Act (the “Act”), a statute designed to hold fossil fuel companies financially accountable for their contributions to climate change.
Governor Hochul signs climate superfund law and defers cap and invest proposal
As reported 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.
EPA’s final lead pipe rule will require total removal of lead pipes from municipal drinking water systems
On November 30, 2023, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued its proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (“LCRI”) that will require the removal of all lead pipes from municipal water systems within ten (10) years.
Recent reports show that NY’s rapid clean energy transition could harm state consumers
Multiple reports issued in the last month have called into question the pace of the planned transition from fossil fuel to zero emission clean energy.
EPA finalizes new vehicle emission rules to mandate electric vehicles
If you like your gas-powered car or truck, you cannot keep it according to the Biden Administration’s final Clean Air Act vehicle emission rules.
EPA’s proposed Lead Pipe Rule will require total removal of lead pipes from municipal drinking water systems
On November 30, 2023, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (“LCRI”) that will require the removal of all lead pipes from municipal water systems within 10 years.
Case Digests
- Fourth Department – Commercial lease agreement: COR Veterans Memorial Drive Co. v. Michaels Stores
- Fourth Department – Negligence: City of Rome v. GHD Consulting Services Inc.
- Fourth Department – Reckless endangerment: People v. Coffie
- Fourth Department – Option contract: Cass v. Newell
- Fourth Department – Ineffective assistance of counsel: People v. Jaquan C.
- Fourth Department – Medical malpractice: Burns v. Sobieraj
- Fourth Department – Substitution of counsel: People v. Bredt
- Fourth Department – Statute of limitations: Broton v. County of Onondaga
- Fourth Department – Suppression: People v. Ayer
- Fourth Department – Breach of contract: Amber Well Drilling v. Reed , et al.
- Fourth Department – Murder: People v. Baxter
Law News
- Split NY appeals court affirms manslaughter conviction
- Fourth Department rules ‘law office failure’ does not excuse late filing
- Judge suppresses evidence in drug case, cites ‘troubling aspect of police behavior’
- NY appeals court rules EMT is not entitled to jury trial on misconduct complaint
- Law Day – Celebrate judicial independence
- NY appeals court reinstates medical malpractice lawsuit
- Lender files foreclosure action on Rochester Airport Marriott
- ERPO issued against former prison guard connected to inmate death
Polls
Loading ...