West Virginia vs. EPA: An Environmental Regulations Case with Broad Implications for Agency Power
In 2015, EPA proposed a rule requiring states to develop plans to cut CO2 emissions from the power sector—the Clean Power Plan (“CPP”). EPA explained the rule would result in “significant emission reductions” for that sector,...more
While still a newly minted lawyer early in 1977, I had the good fortune to land a job with the then brand-new Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. This coincided with the 1976 election of Jimmy Carter as...more
Domestic Nuclear Power Advancement: Barriers to Entry and the Need for a National Strategy - As previously reported on this site, nuclear generation development has taken hold as a potential promise for a long-term,...more
Over the weekend, major news outlets announced that former Vice President Joe Biden will be the next president of the United States. Biden and his running mate, Vice Predident-elect Kamala Harris, pledged throughout the...more
Now that the results of a tumultuous presidential election appear clear, attention shifts to what to expect during President-elect Joe Biden’s first term. It is fair to say that a Biden White House will sharply contrast with...more
We previously wrote about whether and how public-private partnerships (P3s) could be the answer to U.S. infrastructure issues and the many ways in which the P3 delivery model provides unique value. While P3s are used in a...more
Following the presidential election, much was made of the enormous changes that the new president intended to make at the EPA, and his choice for Director, Scott Pruitt, resulted in heated opposition and a frenzied uproar...more
On January 20, 2017, businessman Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States following a contentious and unconventional 2016 presidential election. Republicans also successfully maintained control...more
As the Trump presidency completes its first 10 weeks, the administration is celebrating big wins on the regulatory reform front while nursing some wounds from a major defeat on efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable...more
There’s a new sheriff in town. Donald Trump’s election as President is likely to lead to significant changes in environmental regulation for American businesses. Some changes can (and will) take place very quickly, with the...more
This is the final alert in an eight-week series that provided a broad look at current and emerging issues facing the energy sector. Lawyers from across the firm have addressed issues ranging from cybersecurity, antitrust and...more
The House of Representatives and Senate returned September 6 from the long August recess that started in mid-July. The House is scheduled to be in session for four weeks and the Senate for five weeks before breaking again for...more
In 2015, the Washington Legislature failed to act on Governor Jay Inslee’s cap-and-trade proposal to limit the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. Since then, all branches of Washington State government, as...more
ENERGY AND CLIMATE DEBATE - Last week there was the glimmer of progress on the Senate bipartisan energy bill, with a hotline request to approve a number of amendments. This came after a compromise agreement announced by...more
Congress returns this week from the President’s Day recess to a changed landscape with the death of Supreme Court Justice Scalia. The Supreme Court vacancy has important ramifications for the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, which...more
A Note from the Editors - Our February edition of Energy Technology Connections brings you recent industry highlights, the latest news from Capitol Hill, and a list of upcoming energy industry events. In Leaders in the...more
ENERGY AND CLIMATE DEBATE - Congress returns this week following the President’s Day holiday, and the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia on February 13 has set the stage for a contentious nomination battle in...more
Under the Dome: Inside the Maine State House provides a high-level overview of recent activity at the Maine State House. Maine Pulp and Paper Industry Summit on November 17 - “These are not your grandfather’s paper...more
The Clean Power Plan final rule, proposed Federal Plan and carbon pollution standards for new, modified and reconstructed (existing) power plants were published in the Federal Register on October 23, 2015 — weeks after its...more
President Obama unveiled on August 3 what has been billed as the Administration’s biggest initiative yet to regulate carbon emissions. Although the final regulations that form the Clean Power Plan are ostensibly aimed at...more
In This Issue: - Energy and Climate - Congress - Administration - Department of Commerce - Department of Energy - Department of Treasury - Environmental Protection Agency -...more
This week marked the first policy deadline for policy bills. The Senate Energy and Environment Committee spent considerable time this week working through policy measures, including SF 1431 (Marty-D), the Senate Omnibus...more
ENERGY AND CLIMATE DEBATE - Congress returns for the 114th session January 6, and efforts are underway to prepare for an eventful two years on Capitol Hill as well as the final two years of the Obama Administration....more
ENERGY AND CLIMATE DEBATE - Prior to recessing for the Thanksgiving holiday, the House and Senate both took several votes and introduced numerous pieces of legislation on energy and environment related issues last...more
On Tuesday, September 9, the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power discussed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Clean Power Plan Proposed Rule at a hearing titled “State Perspectives: Questions...more