We regularly produce original research and analysis that highlight attorney general work on clean energy and the environment and provide commentary on important and timely topics in these areas of work.
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Articles
The High Court’s Environmental Docket Continues to Make Waves
July-August 2023
The Supreme Court decided two cases in May that will have profound implications for environmental protection around the country, Sackett v. EPA and National Pork Producers Council v. Ross.
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Trackers
AG Actions Database
Updated 6.1.23
Launched 1.19.17This database tracks actions of regional and national significance taken by state AGs to advance clean energy, climate and environmental laws and policies since 2017. The database is updated on a monthly basis.
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Blog
Reflections on FERC’s Environmental Justice Roundtable
Organizations and individuals recently submitted comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) following its Roundtable on Environmental Justice and Equity in Infrastructure Permitting. This post discusses a few themes from some of the comments.
May 25, 2023
Jessica Bell -
Reports
A Role for State Attorneys General in a Just Transition
Resources Updated 5.25.23
Report Published 12.1.22This report considers how state attorneys general (AGs) can help ensure that the shift to renewable energy supports communities and leads to good climate jobs. The report provides insight into the role of AGs, highlights recent AG enforcement of workers’ rights and environmental protection, and offers additional ideas for what state attorneys general can do in relation to a just transition.
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Trackers
Tracking Transmission Reform
Updated 5.23.23
Launched 10.29.21Transmission planning needs to change to support a clean, affordable, and equitable grid. Hear from state AGs on why transmission reform is a critical aspect of climate response, get background on how the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is approaching its overhaul to the process, and stay up to date on how AGs are getting involved.
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Blog
Pigs Fly! SCOTUS Upholds State Sovereignty in CA Pork Case
Last week, SCOTUS upheld a California ballot initiative addressing animal cruelty in the pork industry against a dormant Commerce Clause challenge, affirming states’ authority to tackle far-reaching problems. The decision offers four key takeaways for states seeking to regulate complex environmental, energy, and climate issues that involve effects in other states.
May 17, 2023
Christine Billy -
Blog
Winds of Change: Developing a Domestic Supply Chain & Good Jobs in the Offshore Wind Sector
The buzz around the nascent offshore wind sector is palpable, with huge amounts of untapped power, waiting to be unleashed. But the U.S. lacks a domestic offshore wind supply chain, and the anticipated job growth will need to be accompanied by strong labor parameters in place to ensure that these jobs will be good jobs.
May 11, 2023
Mo-Yain Tham -
Blog
A Call from Communities to Remove Barriers to Access EPA's EJ Grants
A wave of community-based and resident-led organizations recently submitted comments calling for the removal of systemic barriers to participation in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant Program.
April 27, 2023
Aleksandra "Sasha" George Ruiz -
Projects
Expanding AG EJ Practice — A Resource
Updated 4.18.23
Launched 1.10.22This resource gives an overview of environmental justice and provides guidance for AG offices looking to set up or expand their work in the EJ practice area. It highlights influential moments in EJ history, provides a look into state mapping tools, identifies current federal and state EJ policies, and tracks EJ updates in the media.
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Blog
Growing Calls for a More Just, Climate-Savvy Farm Bill
There has been a flurry of climate justice advocacy in recent weeks—from social media posts to rallies at the capitol—around the Farm Bill. So what is the Farm Bill, what does it have to do with climate justice, and why does it matter right now?
April 13, 2023
Rachel Ramirez-Guest -
Articles
Not an Afterthought: Remedies Receiving Their Day in Court
May-June 2023
There is news in the world of remedies for agencies that violate the law. These developments could have repercussions for any incoming president seeking to roll back the prior administration’s policies, as well as implication for parties seeking to avert environmental harms.
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Trackers
2021 and Beyond: Environment & Energy Cases Involving the Biden Administration
Updated 4.7.23
Launched 4.7.22This tracker collects court decisions on challenges to federal actions related to energy and the environment during the Biden administration. It will be updated as new cases are brought and new decisions are released.