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Federal Agencies Move to Return the Endangered Species Act to 2019 Interpretation

Posted on December 12, 2025

Posted in Environmental Regulation

The proposed rules would revise definitions and analysis standards for interagency consultations, move toward species-specific rather than blanket protections, and increase agency discretion in determining protected habitat.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service are accepting public comment on the

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European Commission Maintains 30 December 2025 Application Date for EU Deforestation Regulation

Posted on October 22, 2025

Posted in Environmental Regulation, Environmental, Social, and Governance

The Commission has proposed new amendments to streamline EUDR obligations, while maintaining the application date for large and medium enterprises.

By Paul A. Davies, Michael D. Green, James Bee, and Toon Dictus

On 21 October 2025, the European Commission (Commission) announced a proposal introducing amendments designed to facilitate the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Notably, the Commission proposed to maintain the current application date of 30 December 2025 for large- and medium-sized enterprises, contrary to…

CARB Publishes List of Companies Subject to California Climate Disclosure Laws

Posted on October 1, 2025

Posted in Air Quality and Climate Change, California

The agency simultaneously issued a survey to validate the list.

By Joshua T. Bledsoe, Nikki Buffa, Betty M. Huber, Austin J. Pierce, and Shawna Strecker

On September 24, 2025, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) published a list of entities that it believes will be subject to requirements under Senate Bill (SB) 253 and/or SB 261. The list serves as an initial reference point for companies with a nexus to California regarding their reporting obligations. CARB…

What Lies Ahead for Advanced Plastics Recycling Industry After EPA Withdrawal of Proposed TSCA SNURs?

Posted on August 28, 2025

Posted in Chemical Regulation, Power, Oil, Gas, and Minerals

Environmental Protectioin Agency EPA Washington DC

The proposed rules would have triggered EPA risk reviews and restrictions on the industry.

By Julia A. Hatcher, Jennifer K. Roy, Nolan Fargo, and Bruce M. Johnson

On July 9, 2025, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) withdrew significant new use rules (SNURs) proposed under Section 5 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for 18 chemicals derived from waste plastic feedstocks.¹ The 18 chemicals are part of a growing industry referred to as “advanced plastics…

A “Golden Age” of Data Center Dominance

Posted on July 25, 2025

Posted in Permitting

A new executive order seeks to streamline funding for and construction of data center projects by reducing regulatory red tape.

By Nikki Buffa, Aron Potash, Tal Carmeli, and Shawna Strecker

On July 23, 2025, the Trump administration issued an executive order titled “Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure” (the Order). The Order aims to “facilitate the rapid and efficient buildout” of data centers and associated infrastructure such as high‑voltage transmission lines and other equipment by “easing…

New Verra Methodology Aims to Create Carbon Credits Through Accelerated Retirement of Coal-Fired Power Plants

Posted on June 18, 2025

Posted in Environmental, Social, and Governance, Power, Oil, Gas, and Minerals

The methodology outlines a three-step approach for obtaining credits: retirement of coal-fired power plants, generation of replacement renewable electricity, and assurance of a just transition.

By JP Brisson, Michael Dreibelbis, Qingyi Pan, and Tal Carmeli

On May 6, 2025, Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) published a new methodology to generate Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) through an accelerated retirement of coal-fired power plants (CFPPs). The methodology, titled “VM0052: Accelerated Retirement of Coal-Fired Power Plants Using a Just Transition,”…

EPA Proposes Granting Texas Primacy for Class VI Wells

Posted on June 13, 2025

Posted in Environmental Regulation, Permitting

William Jefferson Clinton Federal Building In Washington DC

The proposal could accelerate the permitting process for carbon capture and storage projects in the state.

By Joshua T. Bledsoe, JP Brisson, Nikki Buffa, Michael Dreibelbis, Jennifer Roy, Nolan Fargo, and Samantha Yeager

On June 9, 2025, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed a proposed rule that, if approved, would grant Texas primary enforcement authority, or primacy, for permitting Class VI Underground Injection Control (UIC) wells under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).

EPA Proposes Repeal of Power Plant GHG Emissions Standards

Posted on June 13, 2025

Posted in Air Quality and Climate Change, Environmental Regulation, Power, Oil, Gas, and Minerals

Aerial View of a Coal Fired Power Station

If finalized, the rule would eliminate both Obama- and Biden-era limits on GHG emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants.

By Karl A. Karg, Stacey L. VanBelleghem, Nikki Buffa, Devin M. O’Connor, and G. Jack Mathews

On June 11, 2025, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposed rule under the Clean Air Act (CAA) titled “Repeal of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Fossil Fuel-Fired Electric Generating Units” (the Proposed Repeal).

Under the current Obama- and…

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