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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Blog
Like It or Not, the Power Sector is Decarbonizing
After the Supreme Court confirmed in Massachusetts v. EPA that the EPA can (and, following finalization of its Endangerment Finding, must) regulate the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change under the Clean Air Act, two groups of states have squared off against each other over the past few years, based on whether they backed the Obama or Trump administrations’ starkly different visions for how the Act should be implemented.
October 17, 2019
David J. Hayes -
Op-Eds
State attorneys general prepare to fight for clean energy rights
“Forward-leaning state laws and policies are accelerating the uptake of clean energy and showing the way to a decarbonized electricity sector that produces broad-based, equitable and economic benefits to state residents. Unfortunately, the federal government, acting through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), is dismissive of states’ statutory rights to shape their desired energy mix”
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Blog
Clean Energy Issues Are on the Docket for State Attorneys General
Last Friday in Boston, in connection with hosting a National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) Eastern Region meeting, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced the release of our State Impact Center’s new report entitled: State Attorneys General: Empowering the Clean Energy Future.
October 3, 2019
David J. Hayes -
Blog
The Trump Administration’s Car Wreck
The Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and many other bedrock environmental statutes confer substantial authority on both the federal government and the states to reduce harmful pollution
September 19, 2019
David J. Hayes -
Blog
Methane, Motherhood & Apple Pie
The EPA hoped no one would notice. It waited until the final days in August, when no one is in town, to quietly announce its intent to lift oil and gas industry requirements to control methane emissions.
September 5, 2019
David J. Hayes -
Reports
State Attorneys General: Empowering the Clean Energy Future
State attorneys general are utilizing federal and state energy law principles across different forums to ensure that clean energy innovators have expanded opportunities to participate fully and fairly in electricity markets.
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Blog
State Attorneys General Stand Up for Conservation
State attorneys general have been successfully waging high-profile fights against the administration’s efforts to weaken the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and other bedrock environmental laws.
August 22, 2019
David J. Hayes -
Blog
DOE’s Latest Attempt to Neuter Its Statutory Energy Efficiency Responsibilities
Despite DOE’s successful program that requires manufacturers to produce more energy-efficient products, the Trump administration has declared war on DOE’s energy efficiency program.
August 8, 2019
David J. Hayes -
Blog
The ACE Rule: Justice Delayed is Justice Denied
Earlier this month, President Trump gave a speech intended to celebrate his environmental leadership. However, according to data released by the EPA, some of the most dangerous air pollutants are actually more prevalent now than before Trump took office.
July 25, 2019
Maggie St. Jean -
Blog
State AGs Making the Case for Climate Optimism
This past weekend, much of the United States endured an unprecedented heat wave. Cities across the country broke heat records, and over 150 million people were under some level of heat warning or advisory.
July 25, 2019
Elizabeth Johnson Klein -
Blog
Colorado’s New Legislative Boost to Clean Energy
Colorado is one of a growing number of states that are implementing increasingly aggressive strategies to curb GHG emissions. These state efforts are more important than ever, given the federal government’s inaction and obstruction on cutting emissions.
July 16, 2019
Jessica Bell -
Blog
With Environmental Rollbacks, Communities of Color Continue to Bear Disproportionate Pollution Burden
In many ways, Juneteenth represents how justice in the United States has repeatedly been delayed for black people, and access to a healthy, safe environment is no exception. This history makes the current administration’s repeated, unlawful attempts to weaken our nation’s bedrock environmental laws and undo important progress all the more troubling.
June 19, 2019
Brittany Whited