Insights

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Reduce, Reuse, and Reinvigorate the FTC’s Green Guides

Student Blog Series

You may not think twice about tossing a plastic bottle in a blue recycling bin, but there’s more to the “recyclable” label than meets the consumer’s eye. Behind that label is a complex set of guidelines—the FTC’s Green Guides—that should, but often don’t, guide when and how marketers can tell consumers that their products are recyclable, and they are finally being reviewed after a decade without updates.

Waiting for the Hammer to Drop: FERC Considers Unneeded Pipeline Expansion

FERC is considering a request right now to let the Regional Energy Access Expansion gas pipeline expansion project begin construction, against evidence that it is not needed. This case will likely end up in court, with FERC yet again facing the music.

Stronger Regulations Might Be Just the Ticket

Recent freight train accidents illuminate the risks of rail transport of HAZMAT and the need for improved safety guidelines and practices, which AGs have long been advocating for.

States Face Learning Curve on K-12 Climate Curriculum

Though climate change has the potential to affect the lives of most school age children today, a recent study shows that schools do not have a standard curriculum on the topic.

Unjust, Unreasonable, Unwelcome: EJ Barriers at FERC

A look at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s recent commitment to prioritizing environmental justice, where there is still room for improvement, and opportunities for public engagement.

Equity, Energy, and Environmental Reviews: States Shake Things Up at the Close of 2022

We are ringing in the new year with a quick roundup of new state laws and regulations grappling with climate, environmental justice, and the clean energy transition.

A Clean Energy Market for New England

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources released a new proposed market design that could create a competitive arena to meet clean energy goals. Learn about how this design would work, and how to weigh in on it.