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
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.
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Articles
In a Threat to State Priorities, a Broadside Against Standing
“In the Courts” Column: A pair of cases are pending in the Supreme Court that may stretch or upend standing and administrative law doctrine, with dramatic impacts on environmental protection.
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Issue Briefs
What’s in a Label? The FTC’s Green Guides in Context
The Federal Trade Commission is consider updating its Green Guides for the first time on over a decade; this comes at a crucial time, as research and litigation have revealed ambiguities in the Guides’ definitions of “recyclable” and other environmental labels, leading to consumer confusion. This brief explains what the Green Guides contain, how the FTC plans to reevaluate them, the interplay between the Guides and state consumer protection laws, and how this interplay affects regulation of “recyclable” labels.
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Blog
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. -
Blog
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.
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Blog
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Articles
Will Environmental Policies That Consider Race Survive in Court?
“In the Courts” Column: 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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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.