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New York State 2027 budget significantly amends Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA)
Commentary: New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) has been one of the state's most consequential laws since its enactment in 2019. The law established ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets, directed state agencies to integrate climate considerations into decision-making, and created a framework for transitioning New York toward a lower-emission economy.
Court annuls New York State’s wetland regulations for failure to comply with SEQRA
Commentary: A recent New York State trial court decision annulling updated freshwater wetlands regulations has quickly become one of the most closely watched environmental rulings of the year.
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.
Case Digests
- Second Circuit – Long-arm jurisdiction: Northwell Health Inc. v. Group Hospitalization and Medical Services Inc.
- Fourth Department – Motor vehicle accident: Thurston v. Howard
- Western District Case Notes
- Fourth Department – Disclosure: People v. Smith
- Second Circuit – Petition for bail: Fulton v. Mullin
- Fourth Department – Breach of lease agreement: Three Buds, LLC v. NCTBP Calabrese LLC
- Second Circuit – Expert testimony: Rutledge v. Walgreen Co.; Phippen v. Walgreen Co.
- Second Circuit – Congestion pricing: County of Rockland v. Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Auth.
- Fourth Department – Apartment search: People v. Shaw
- Fourth Department – Vicarious liability: Sarah R. v. Crouse Health Hospital
- Fourth Department – Waiver of indictment: People v. Schindler
Law News
- New York sues Kalshi, says its prediction markets are illegal gambling
- Police investigate alleged misappropriation of Walworth Fire Department funds
- New trial granted for defendant unhappy with their attorney
- NY appellate court reinstates medical malpractice case
- NY appeals court reinstates slip-and-fall lawsuit
- Charter Communications must pay penalty for retaliation against employee
- Webster resident named to lead national court reporter group
- NY appeals court affirms rape conviction, rejects speedy trial claim