Insights

Tracking Transmission Reform

Updated April 18, 2024

Transmission 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.

AG Actions Database

Updated April 15, 2024
This 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.

A Full Trip Around the Sun, Yet EJ Remains Eclipsed at FERC

Exactly one year after FERC held its Roundtable on Environmental Justice and Equity in Infrastructure Permitting, the D.C. Circuit issued a decision affirming FERC’s broad authority in pipeline matters. A year later, there are more vacancies on the Commission, and pushing for EJ reforms remains crucial.

Securities Law Tackles Impact of a Changing Climate on Bottom Line

“In the Courts” Column: With its recent climate risk rule, the Securities and Exchange Commission has begun to create a regime where investors will receive reliable disclosures about climate problems that they can compare across companies. The rule faces suits, but SEC is on solid ground with focus on material risks.

Plastics Litigation Tracker

Updated April 9, 2024

The Plastics Litigation Tracker tracks cases addressing plastics across federal and state courts, including resolved and pending cases. The tracker will be updated as cases are resolved and new cases are filed.

DOL Paves the Road Green for Retirement

The Department of Labor has just released a finalized rule around its Investment Duties regulation in order to clarify how Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)-regulated fiduciaries can take into consideration climate and environmental, social, governance (ESG) issues.

Leading the Clean Energy Charge: Spotlight on State AGs

When it comes to the future of a clean energy grid, it might be surprising to learn that state attorneys general play a big role at both the state and federal levels. But it’s true. Regardless of who is leading the Department of Energy or Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, for years, states have played an important role, and recent examples prove this yet again.

Easy as Pi: Regulating for the Grid of the Future

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is poised to take action this spring on transmission reform – reforms that are needed so that new energy sources make it to the grid and to meet growing demand. FERC’s Chairman Willie Phillips has said the reforms are in their “final lap.” It is time to get back up to speed.

Looking (at Climate Impacts) Before Leaping (to Expand a Pipeline)

In two weeks, the D.C. Circuit will hear oral argument on a controversial natural gas pipeline project which is supposed to add 36 miles of new pipeline, as well as infrastructure, in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. Here is a rundown of the arguments before the court.

A Role for State Attorneys General in a Just Transition

Updated February 28, 2024
This 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.

Investor Transparency and Shareholder Opportunity Go Together Like E, S, and G

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices at corporations have been making headlines and fueling a vigorous debate along with new lawsuits. Two recent podcasts from Recharged with the State Impact Center highlight some of the emerging themes.

Six More Weeks of...Smog? The Court’s Shadow Docket Takes on a Case About Ozone

This Groundhog Day, there’s another shadow (docket) you need to keep your eye on. In a few weeks, the Supreme Court will consider a case about EPA’s recent rule regarding air pollution that crosses state borders. The impact of the new Court and its decision to hear oral argument on the shadow docket are both interesting features to watch in this case.