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
Emergency Power in Focus: An Urgent Need to Address Deadly Workplace Heat Exposure
This summer, temperatures have reached historic highs. For many workers, extreme heat presents a difficult choice between getting paid and risking hazardous work conditions. With heat waves forecast to continue, governments at all levels need to seriously consider the use of emergency powers to address hazardous heat in workplaces.
July 27, 2023
Christine Billy -
Blog
A New York Court Propels Offshore Wind Forward
Student Blog Series
An offshore wind project in New York recently survived a legal challenge and construction is moving forward. As one of the first offshore wind projects in New York, South Fork Wind is an important precedent for other projects like it in the state and the region.
July 26, 2023
Madeline Schwartz -
Projects
Expanding AG EJ Practice — A Resource
Updated July 26, 2023
This resource gives an overview of environmental justice and provides guidance for AG offices looking to set up or expand their work in the EJ practice area. It highlights influential moments in EJ history, provides a look into state mapping tools, identifies current federal and state EJ policies, and tracks EJ updates in the media.
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Op-Eds
Anti-ESG Laws Cost States and Cities Billions
“In the face of fires, record heat, floods and other extreme weather events across the country, House Republicans are using much of July to oppose financial transparency related to climate risks and to attack investor freedoms. Their reckless course endangers not just the planet but also the financial stability of Americans’ retirement savings and pensions.”
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Op-Eds
EPA should follow Maryland’s lead and strengthen landfill standards
“Landfills stink. Worse, they emit hazardous air pollutants, precursors to ozone and particulate matter, and methane — a super-potent greenhouse gas with about 80 times the near-term warming power of carbon dioxide. Progress in Maryland and other states shows landfill methane reductions are possible to achieve at low cost and right away.”
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Blog
The National Association of Attorneys General Has a Unique Opportunity to Demystify ESG Investing
Student Blog Series
Across the country, AGs are responsible for investigating and prosecuting environmental, social, and governance related misconduct. But lately, “ESG” has become a controversial three-letter acronym driving division among AGs. In this moment, NAAG has a unique opportunity to reframe the dialogue by educating its membership about ESG in a technical manner.
June 28, 2023
Kathleen Morris -
Blog
Add This to Your Beach Bag! What to Read, Listen to, and Watch this Summer
Are you looking for training sessions, webinars, events, and other information about environmental law careers to share with your interns? Look no further!
June 15, 2023
Carlos E. Minaya Arnao -
Articles
The High Court’s Environmental Docket Continues to Make Waves
“In the Courts” Column: The Supreme Court decided two cases in May that will have profound implications for environmental protection around the country, Sackett v. EPA and National Pork Producers Council v. Ross.
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Blog
Reflections on FERC’s Environmental Justice Roundtable
Organizations and individuals recently submitted comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) following its Roundtable on Environmental Justice and Equity in Infrastructure Permitting. This post discusses a few themes from some of the comments.
May 25, 2023
Jessica Bell -
Blog
Pigs Fly! SCOTUS Upholds State Sovereignty in CA Pork Case
Last week, SCOTUS upheld a California ballot initiative addressing animal cruelty in the pork industry against a dormant Commerce Clause challenge, affirming states’ authority to tackle far-reaching problems. The decision offers four key takeaways for states seeking to regulate complex environmental, energy, and climate issues that involve effects in other states.
May 17, 2023
Christine Billy -
Blog
Winds of Change: Developing a Domestic Supply Chain & Good Jobs in the Offshore Wind Sector
The buzz around the nascent offshore wind sector is palpable, with huge amounts of untapped power, waiting to be unleashed. But the U.S. lacks a domestic offshore wind supply chain, and the anticipated job growth will need to be accompanied by strong labor parameters in place to ensure that these jobs will be good jobs.
May 11, 2023
Mo-Yain Tham -
Blog
A Call from Communities to Remove Barriers to Access EPA's EJ Grants
A wave of community-based and resident-led organizations recently submitted comments calling for the removal of systemic barriers to participation in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant Program.
April 27, 2023
Aleksandra "Sasha" George Ruiz