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
FERC Inaction Translates to Inequity in ISO-New England
States exercise authority over electric generation resources, and FERC oversees wholesale electricity markets. But this is not the end of the story. As states set more ambitious clean energy goals that influence what types of generation resources are built, integrating these resources into wholesale markets has become a source of contention
April 1, 2019
Jessica Bell -
Blog
The Rollback of Six Critical Environmental Regulations Will Increase U.S. Climate Pollution by More Than 200 Million Metric Tons Each Year
It is challenging to keep track of the Trump administration’s many rollbacks of environmental and health protections. Dozens of rollbacks are in process, and new ones are surfacing all the time
March 16, 2019
David J. Hayes -
Reports
Climate & Health Showdown in the Courts
State attorneys general have bee vigorously fighting against the Trump administration’s attempts to replace existing rules that require greenhouse gas emissions reductions with new rules that unlawfully and harmfully negate those reductions.
March 1, 2019
State Impact Center -
Blog
Everyone is a Fan of Saving Energy… Except the Trump Administration
Since 1975, Congress has directed DOE to develop national energy efficiency standards that are technically feasible and cost-effective for consumers and manufacturers alike. Despite the maturity and success of Energy Department’s energy efficiency standards program, the Trump administration clearly would prefer not to implement it
February 21, 2019
David J. Hayes -
Blog
What the Legal Battle over Zero Emission Credits Means for State Clean Energy Policies
Although energy-related emissions of carbon dioxide rose for the first time in several years in 2018, proponents of clean energy can be excited about long-term clean energy trends, particularly at the state level
February 19, 2019
Jessica Bell -
Blog
Why the Controversy Around PFAS Chemicals, and What the EPA Can (and Should) Do About It
The EPA has yet to use any of its authorities to take decisive action regarding the alarming levels of toxic PFAS (per- and Poly Fluoro Alkyl Substances) confirmed to be present in hundreds of drinking water sources throughout the nation.
February 8, 2019
David J. Hayes -
Blog
State Attorneys General Are Clearing the Way for Clean Energy
Clean energy is on a roll, and it’s not by accident. States are leading the clean energy revolution that is now underway in our country. And state attorneys general are on the front lines protecting clean energy gains, and clearing the way for more progress
January 24, 2019
David J. Hayes -
Projects
PFAS Federal Legislation in the 116th Congress
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are bioaccumulative and environmentally persistent, have been widely used in commercial applications since the 1950s, and have been linked to a series of human health harms. The widespread public exposure to dangerous levels of chemicals in drinking water and other potential pathways has triggered significant concern in Congress.
January 19, 2019
State Impact Center -
Blog
The Energy & Environmental Stakes in 2019 Couldn’t be Higher
Over the past two years, rather than advocating specific (de)regulatory actions, the EPA, Interior Department and Justice Department have focused primarily on delaying or otherwise avoiding enforcement of existing requirements. Thanks to excellent work by state attorneys general and other advocates, these procedural efforts have been mostly unsuccessful
January 13, 2019
David J. Hayes -
Blog
Climate Change and the Law
The Trump administration is trying hard to ignore the reality of climate change and avoid accepting responsibility to address the risks that it poses to public health and the environment. Our environmental laws, however, don’t let the administration off the hook.
December 16, 2018
David J. Hayes -
Blog
Three Takeaways from the Fourth National Climate Assessment
The federal government’s release of the Fourth National Climate Assessment was big energy and environmental news, despite being released on the Friday afternoon after Thanksgiving
December 3, 2018
David J. Hayes -
Blog
State AGs Must Win the Fight on Cars and Coal
The Trump Administration is blatantly choosing not to control our nation’s largest sources of climate and conventional pollution, at the cost of American lives and the health of the planet.
November 9, 2018
David J. Hayes