Insights

  • Projects A close-up view of a silver water faucet with clear water streaming out of it.

    PFAS Federal Legislation in the 117th 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.

    May 27, 2021
    State Impact Center
  • Projects A forest, with an overlaid semi-transparent image of a checkmark

    State of Play Reference Guide


    State attorneys general brought or were otherwise involved in many legal challenges to regulations, policies and decisions made during the Trump administration by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Interior Department, the Energy Department and other executive branch agencies. Use the tabs at left to explore the status of these lawsuits and other issues, sorted by agency or department.

    April 30, 2021
    State Impact Center
  • Issue Briefs An illustration of the US capitol building.

    Congress: Opportunities for Attorneys General in Environmental, Energy, and Climate Policy


    With environmental, clean energy, and climate legislation gaining traction in Congress, there are many opportunities and avenues for state attorneys general to advance their priorities.

    March 1, 2021
    Hampden T. Macbeth
  • Projects A black and white illustration of the White House, with the face of a clock, 1 minute from midnight, overlaid.

    Midnight Watch Project


    Tracking last-minute actions by the outgoing Trump administration on environmental, climate and energy issues during the presidential transition through Inauguration Day on January 20.

    January 20, 2021
    State Impact Center
  • Projects A chalk-drawn, right-facing arrow, with various icons (including: an oil rig, a tank of toxic substances, a car emitting pollution, lungs, a pill bottle, and a syringe), along the horizontal part of the arrow.

    The Health & Environmental Settlements Project


    The Health & Environmental Settlements Project evaluates mechanisms that have been used by state AGs, Congress, and others to address the toughest large-scale health and environmental liability and compensation challenges over the last 50 years.


    State Impact Center
  • Projects An illustrated depiction of lungs and a heart monitor line in front of the iconic climate stripes.

    Climate Change and Public Health


    Climate change has many adverse health consequences, and if robust climate action is not taken, these health impacts are expected to worsen, resulting in tens of thousands of additional people sick and lives lost, with disadvantaged communities hurt most of all. Thankfully, state attorneys general have stepped in to challenge the rollback of climate regulations and fight to protect human health and the environment from the ravages of climate change.


    State Impact Center
  • Projects A transmission tower in front of a blue sky

    Guidance for States on Potential Steps to Opt Out of PJM’s Capacity Market


    Assisting state attorneys general in evaluating whether and how to opt out of PJM's capacity market in response to FERC’s recent decision that penalizes state-supported clean energy resources.

    March 23, 2020
    State Impact Center
  • Projects A close-up view of a silver water faucet with clear water streaming out of it.

    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