A preliminary injunction motion is set for May, the judge issued a scheduling order, and CARB announced a public workshop to kick off a rulemaking to implement the laws.
By Joshua T. Bledsoe, Nikki Buffa, Betty M. Huber, and Matthew Green
The litigation over California’s climate disclosure laws has been ongoing since January 2024. In the latest development, the US District Court for the Central District of California is scheduled to conduct a hearing on a motion
The proposal targets large emissions sources and specific industries, focusing on data collection only.
By Joshua T. Bledsoe, Jean-Philippe Brisson, Betty M. Huber, Shawna Strecker, and Catherine G. Willis
On March 26, 2025, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) announced proposed regulations that would establish a mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting program for fuel suppliers, waste haulers and transporters, electric power entities, and certain other industries as well as large emissions sources located
The order instructs the Attorney General to curb state and local climate initiatives and prepare a report within 60 days detailing those efforts.
By Jean-Philippe Brisson, Michael G. Romey, and Matthew Green
On April 8, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled “Protecting American Energy From State Overreach” (the Order). The Order asserts that certain state and local laws undermine American energy dominance and, by extension, national security.
For a high-level overview of the Order, see this
The updated guidance includes simplification measures allowing due diligence statements’ reuse, annual submission, and management by authorised representatives on behalf of companies.
By Paul A. Davies, Michael D. Green, James Bee, and Toon Dictus
On 15 April 2025, the European Commission (the Commission) announced measures to simplify the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which is set to apply from 30 December 2025. This initiative is part of the Commission’s more general ongoing focus on streamlining
The Clean Industrial Deal aims to establish a joint roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonisation.
By Paul Davies, Michael Green, JP Sweny, Alexander Buckeridge-Hocking, Toon Dictus, and Nick Scott
On 26 February 2025, the European Commission (the Commission) unveiled the Clean Industrial Deal (the Deal), a strategy designed to bolster Europe’s industrial competitiveness while advancing decarbonisation efforts. The Deal seeks to integrate climate action with industrial, economic, and trade policies to position Europe as a
This grant of authority could accelerate the permitting process for carbon capture and storage projects in the state.
By Joshua T. Bledsoe, Nikki Buffa, Jennifer Roy, and Samantha Yeager
On February 18, 2025, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved a final rule granting West Virginia primary enforcement authority, or “primacy,” for permitting Class VI Underground Injection Control (UIC) wells under the Safe Drinking Water Act, marking a step forward for carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects
Supremacy Clause and Dormant Commerce Clause claims against SB 253 and SB 261 were dismissed, while claims under the First Amendment proceed to discovery.
By Joshua Bledsoe, Nikki Buffa, Betty M. Huber, and Matthew Green
On February 3, 2025, in Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America et al. v. California Air Resources Board et al.,1 the US District Court for the Central District of California granted the state’s motion to dismiss the
Stakeholders should anticipate potential delays and market impacts amid the ongoing legal challenges and the Office of Administrative Law’s recent disapproval.
By Joshua Bledsoe, Winston Stromberg, Brian McCall, and Samantha Yeager
Environmental groups and a biofuel trade association are challenging the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB’s) November 2024 amendments to the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard Program (LCFS or the Program). The environmental groups allege that CARB violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in adopting the
The Compass aims to address concerns about productivity and maintain Europe’s leading role in sustainable innovation and climate neutrality.
By Paul A. Davies, Michael D. Green, and James Bee
On 29 January 2025, the European Commission (the Commission) launched the Competitiveness Compass, a strategic initiative that builds on the work undertaken by Mario Draghi. His report, commonly known as the Draghi Report, identified that the EU could no longer rely on many of the essential elements to the
Mandatory ESG reporting, new AI tools for ESG data management, and rising litigation risk are just some of the hot topics this year.
By Paul A. Davies and Betty M. Huber
Through the course of 2024, the development of the ESG and sustainability landscape was dynamic. We anticipate that this dynamism will intensify in 2025, given the implementation and potential amendment of ESG-related regulations and significant geopolitical developments around the globe.
Companies, investors, and asset holders will need to remain