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
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.
January 12, 2023
Rachel Ramirez-Guest -
Blog
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.
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Blog
A New Year, (Waiting on) a New FERC
The end of 2022 was a tumultuous time at FERC with then-Chairman Richard Glick not getting reconfirmed for another term. The usually-five-member commission now has 2 Democrats and 2 Republicans, its acting chair has limited staffing, and this could go on for several months until the vacancy is filled and a new chair nominated. Read to see what this limbo at FERC means for the clean energy transition.
January 11, 2023
Jessica Bell -
Articles
Will Environmental Policies That Consider Race Survive in Court?
January-February 2023
The Supreme Court heard two related cases this term that are not about pollution or natural resources but that nonetheless could undermine one of President Biden’s biggest environmental efforts, dubbed Justice40.
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Blog
Year In Review: 2022 at the State Impact Center
Take a look back at 2022 at the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center.
December 30, 2022
State Impact Center -
Reports
Where Are We Now? A Year of Agency & Attorney General Action
This report looks at AG policy wins from the past year; reviews federal rulemaking progress during the Biden administration so far; and examines the importance of and obstacles to public input, as well as the role AGs can play in facing those challenges.
December 15, 2022
Bethany Davis Noll / Jessica Bell / Rachel Ramirez-Guest / Madeline Collins / Carlos E. Minaya Arnao / Tiernaur Anderson / Mohamed Oday / Jasmine Elbekraoui / Tatiana Zapata / Ana Oropeza -
Articles
Examining the Role of AGs in a Just Transition
Fall 2022
This article reviews many of the policies and tools that can be and are being harnessed to bring about a “just transition,” ensuring that the emerging clean energy sector provides high quality jobs and that needs of current fossil fuel workers are also adequately addressed. These policies exist at the intersection of workers’ rights and environmental policy.
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Blog
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.
December 1, 2022
Madeline Collins -
Blog
Get a GRIP on DOE Funding
The acronym soup of federal laws that will turbocharge clean energy is ready for primetime. This week, we’ll take a look at the Infrastructure Law, signed last year (sometimes referred to as the BIL or the IIJA).
November 10, 2022
Jessica Bell -
Blog
2022 AG Elections Results
Tuesday, November 8 was election day, and AG elections in thirty-three states and territories were held. Here is a breakdown of the results. Last updated 1/5/2023.
November 8, 2022
State Impact Center -
Blog
Carving Out Funds for Clean Energy
Hocus Pocus? Not in the IRA! The Inflation Reduction Act is designed to push money towards clean energy and clean transportation and to supercharge these issues at the state and local level. Here is a breakdown of some of its major goals along with the current status.
October 27, 2022
Bethany Davis Noll -
Articles
A Dormant Threat to State Clean Energy, Public Health Programs
November-December 2022
This term, the Supreme Court is considering a case about the Dormant Commerce Clause—with the potential to curtail state powers to issue rules that favor a certain energy mix along with safety and health standards. How did we get here?