On January 19, 2021, the D.C. Circuit vacated the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule, the Trump Administration’s action to address CO2 emissions from existing coal-fired power plants. The ACE rule repealed an Obama-era rule...more
As we previously reported, in June 2020, the Treasury Department issued proposed regulations to implement Section 45Q of the Tax Code, which provides tax credits for capturing and sequestering carbon oxides that would...more
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has adopted the first-ever Clean Air Act (CAA) aircraft emission standards for greenhouse gases (GHGs), assuring the worldwide acceptance of U.S. manufactured airplanes and airplane...more
On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed H.R. 133, the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021,” an agglomeration of dozens of individual pieces of legislation which together total nearly 6,000 pages. While general press...more
12/31/2020
/ Climate Change ,
Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) ,
Coronavirus/COVID-19 ,
Energy Sector ,
Greenhouse Gas Emissions ,
Investment Tax Credits ,
Offshore Wind ,
Popular ,
Production Tax Credit ,
Renewable Energy ,
Solar Energy ,
Wind Power
Update Highlights:
• COVID-19 infection rates, case numbers, hospitalizations, and deaths are at or approaching the highs seen in the spring.
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On November 24, 2020, EPA published a final rule that changes how facilities can calculate their emissions when assessing permitting requirements under the Clean Air Act’s New Source Review (NSR) program. Under the final...more
Update Highlights:
• COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Massachusetts, hitting rates of infection not seen since the spring.
• Governor Baker imposed a nighttime curfew and restrictions on the size of gatherings in...more
On October 15, 2020, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a proposed policy statement clarifying that it has jurisdiction over rules incorporating state-determined carbon pricing in wholesale electric...more
B&D’s Carbon Markets Roundup covers domestic and international developments related to carbon pricing and related regulatory programs aimed at regulating or reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Despite—or perhaps because...more
The Western United States is in the middle of one of the biggest wildfire seasons to date. Not only have these wildfires significantly impacted surrounding communities and ecosystems, but they have threatened carbon offset...more
Update Highlights:
• Massachusetts state courts continue to expand in-person services and hearings while conducting business virtually whenever possible.
• The Supreme Judicial Court issued a new order last week...more
B&D’s Carbon Markets Roundup covers domestic and international developments related to carbon pricing and related regulatory programs aimed at regulating or reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Despite—or perhaps because...more
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a proposal to adopt the first-ever Clean Air Act (CAA) emission standards for greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted by aircraft. EPA’s proposal flows from the agency’s 2016...more
The California legislature is considering a bill aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from “working lands” (including agricultural, grazing, and forest) and “natural lands”. The bill also would encourage carbon...more
Last year, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California challenging the constitutionality of California’s linkage of its cap-and-trade program to a similar...more
Update Highlights:
The Massachusetts District Court for the District of Massachusetts has released an Order allowing for renewed in-person proceedings in limited cases....more
Update Highlights:
The Supreme Judicial Court issued new orders this week spelling out the logistics for public attendance at courthouses set to reopen on July 13. Members of the public will be subject to screening,...more
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is reopening the public comment period on its draft Solid Waste Master Plan for 2020–2030 in light of developments and comments associated with COVID-19, environmental...more
Update Highlights:
Massachusetts moves into Phase 3 of its reopening plan on July 6, including the opening of fitness centers and health clubs, museums and aquariums, movie theaters and performance halls (at limited...more
Despite a historic and costly slowdown in air travel due to COVID-19 impacts, the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Airlines (CORSIA) continues to advance in several key areas. During its June Session,...more
This and other updates on the Commonwealth’s response are collected on its website and the separate court system site. Beveridge & Diamond’s COVID-19 EH&S Resource Center is available as we work remotely throughout our seven...more
On April 14, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) filed emergency regulations governing its SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) program, the state’s current solar incentive program. Among other...more
After a long wait, the Treasury Department has issued proposed regulations to implement Section 45Q of the Tax Code, which provides tax credits for capturing and sequestering carbon oxides that would otherwise escape to the...more
Despite a historic and costly slowdown in air travel due to COVID-19 impacts, the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Airlines (CORSIA) continues to advance in several key areas. Recent developments...more
Late last week, a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators introduced the Growing Climate Solutions Act, aimed at increasing and encouraging nature-based greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions in the agriculture and forestry sectors....more