Insights

A Role for State Attorneys General in a Just Transition

Updated September 21, 2023
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.

Tracking Transmission Reform

Updated September 19, 2023

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.

Youth Planting the Seeds for Climate Justice

Across the world youth are demanding protections from government-endorsed and climate change-induced harms. Recent cases illustrate the momentum of youth-led legal battles to enforce their rights to a clean and safe environment.

AG Actions Database

Updated August 27, 2023
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.

Plastics Litigation Tracker

Updated August 3, 2023

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.

The Electrification of the Nation: How the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project is Charging Up Our Roadways

Student Blog Series

A major obstacle to electric vehicle adoption is the lack of available charging infrastructure. The $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, created to support EV infrastructure nationwide, signals an important step for America’s transition into cleaner roadways.

2021 and Beyond: Environment & Energy Cases Involving the Biden Administration

Updated August 1, 2023
This 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.

Green Amendments: Lessons From Hawai'i, New York, and Montana

“In the Courts” Column: Green amendments are sprouting up in state constitutions around the country and are starting to be tested in court. These provisions generally guarantee a right to a clean and healthy environment and, if recent cases are any indication, they may have teeth..

Emergency Power in Focus: An Urgent Need to Address Deadly Workplace Heat Exposure

This summer, temperatures have reached historic highs. For many workers, extreme heat presents a difficult choice between getting paid and risking hazardous work conditions. With heat waves forecast to continue, governments at all levels need to seriously consider the use of emergency powers to address hazardous heat in workplaces.

A New York Court Propels Offshore Wind Forward

Student Blog Series

An offshore wind project in New York recently survived a legal challenge and construction is moving forward. As one of the first offshore wind projects in New York, South Fork Wind is an important precedent for other projects like it in the state and the region.

Expanding AG EJ Practice — A Resource

Updated July 26, 2023

This 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.

Anti-ESG Laws Cost States and Cities Billions

“In the face of fires, record heat, floods and other extreme weather events across the country, House Republicans are using much of July to oppose financial transparency related to climate risks and to attack investor freedoms. Their reckless course endangers not just the planet but also the financial stability of Americans’ retirement savings and pensions.”