Insights

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.

Leading the Clean Energy Charge: Spotlight on State AGs

When it comes to the future of a clean energy grid, it might be surprising to learn that state attorneys general play a big role at both the state and federal levels. But it’s true. Regardless of who is leading the Department of Energy or Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, for years, states have played an important role, and recent examples prove this yet again.

Easy as Pi: Regulating for the Grid of the Future

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is poised to take action this spring on transmission reform – reforms that are needed so that new energy sources make it to the grid and to meet growing demand. FERC’s Chairman Willie Phillips has said the reforms are in their “final lap.” It is time to get back up to speed.

Looking (at Climate Impacts) Before Leaping (to Expand a Pipeline)

In two weeks, the D.C. Circuit will hear oral argument on a controversial natural gas pipeline project which is supposed to add 36 miles of new pipeline, as well as infrastructure, in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. Here is a rundown of the arguments before the court.

Investor Transparency and Shareholder Opportunity Go Together Like E, S, and G

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices at corporations have been making headlines and fueling a vigorous debate along with new lawsuits. Two recent podcasts from Recharged with the State Impact Center highlight some of the emerging themes.

Six More Weeks of...Smog? The Court’s Shadow Docket Takes on a Case About Ozone

This Groundhog Day, there’s another shadow (docket) you need to keep your eye on. In a few weeks, the Supreme Court will consider a case about EPA’s recent rule regarding air pollution that crosses state borders. The impact of the new Court and its decision to hear oral argument on the shadow docket are both interesting features to watch in this case.

The Court Takes Up Cross-State Air Again—but on Shadow Docket

“In the Courts” Column: The Supreme Court recently heard an argument in a case about EPA’s recent rule regarding air pollution that crosses state borders. Since the Court heard a similar case in the past decade, it will be interesting to see if the new lineup leads to a different result or whether the Court will stick to its own precedent.

Beware of the Plastics...and of the Companies Creating the Problem

What do you think when you see trash in the river or on the side of the road? Do you think: I wish someone would clean that up? Now, New York State is working to give folks a new way to look at that trash.

A Scorecard on the Cases Seeking to Stop Atlantic Offshore Wind

“In the Courts” Column: Huge offshore wind turbines will be going up soon on the Eastern Seaboard. These projects will help provide electricity to areas
of high demand while also enabling a move away from fossil fuel-fired generation. Several courts have issued decisions about such projects this year, helping to illustrate the legal thicket that these projects must navigate.

Supporting State Commissions: Senior Advisor Program

Launched December 1, 2023

This nonpartisan Senior Advisor Program builds capacity at state public utility commissions by supporting relationships between current public utility commissioners and experienced former commissioners. The participating commissioners drive this flexible program, allowing them to focus on addressing their most pressing needs and challenges.

Year In Review: 2023 at the State Impact Center

Take a look at what we accomplished this year at the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center! We reached a new milestone, served up a bunch of useful resources, shared our best staff recommendations, and gathered as a team for park clean-ups, outings, and more!

AGs Advancing State and National Environmental Protections: An Overview of Current Actions

This resource is focused on AG involvement in litigation and regulatory matters advancing climate, environmental justice, environmental protection, and clean energy. It tracks the status of active cases and regulatory matters; describes AG engagement; and, where possible, flags what to expect as these matters progress.