- The EU PPWR became effective on the general application date of 12 August 2026.
- Certain rules (including the “conformity assessment” regarding restrictions on substances of concern and PFAS in food-contact packaging) and most harmonised EPR rules now apply, while other provisions enter into force on a phased basis.
- The European Commission published a guidance document
European Commission Publishes EU ETS Review, Proposing Significant Reforms
The proposed changes to the carbon pricing policy intend to balance industrial competitiveness with climate goals.
By Michael D. Green and James Bee
On 17 July 2026, the European Commission (Commission) presented its review of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), alongside an Electrification Action Plan. The EU ETS is the EU’s flagship carbon pricing mechanism, under which businesses in select industries must surrender and/or pay for allowances for each tonne of carbon they emit, creating a financial
UK Government Announces New Measures to Tackle Illegal Deforestation
New measures build on existing regulation to bring the UK further in line with the EU.
By Michael D. Green and James Bee
On 23 June 2026, the UK government announced plans for new rules intended to ensure that goods sold in the UK do not contribute to illegal deforestation. The measures will cover Great Britain, while businesses in Northern Ireland will be subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to maintain access to the EU single market.
Current UK
One Year After Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County
Courts have applied Seven County to limit the scope of judicial review and give more deference to the government in NEPA cases.
By Devin O’Connor, Janice Schneider, Stacey VanBelleghem, and Lia Barrett
On May 29, 2025, the US Supreme Court decided Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County1 (see this Latham blog post) which narrowed the scope of environmental review required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Now, a year later, we have seen
European Commission Publishes Draft Implementing Rules on CBAM Carbon Price Deductions
- The European Commission has opened a four-week consultation following the publication of a draft implementing regulation for CBAM on 13 May 2026.
- The draft rules explain how the payment of third-country carbon prices can reduce CBAM
EU ETS: European Commission Announces Additional Flexibilities, Including Updated Benchmarks
The package of measures recognises the need to promote energy security and combat rising costs.
By Michael D. Green and James Bee
Key Points:
- The Commission has outlined areas of ETS reform, including updated benchmarks for free allocations and a new €30 billion ETS Investment Booster.
- A medium-term ETS review is expected by July 2026 with the intention to “modernise” the system.
On 11 May 2026, the European Commission (Commission) presented updated EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) benchmarks for
NRC Finalizes Generic Environmental Impact Statement for New Nuclear Reactors
- The GEIS covers a wide range of NRC licensing actions for new reactors, including construction permits, operating licenses, early site permits, combined licenses, and limited work authorizations.
- For new nuclear reactor applications, the GEIS resolves many issues that would otherwise require project-specific analysis.
European Commission Releases New EU Deforestation Regulation Measures
- The Commission has unveiled a package of EUDR measures aimed at providing guidance and easing implementation.
- The delegated act will adjust the range of commodities and products falling within the EUDR’s scope.
- The Commission has confirmed that it will not reopen the text of the EUDR, so companies should continue preparing for the 30 December
EPA’s Draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List Targets Microplastics and Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water
EPA’s decision, paired with a newly unveiled research program from the Department of Health and Human Services, increases scrutiny on these emerging contaminants.
By Julia A. Hatcher, Tom Lee, Hunter J. Kendrick, and Casey Lynn Kirk
On April 2, 2026, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, Lee Zeldin, announced the draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 6) at a joint event1 with Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This
The Conclusion of the Sustainability Omnibus Process
The Sustainability Omnibus has led to substantive amendments to the EU CSRD, EU CSDDD, and EU Taxonomy, bringing clarity on next steps.
By Michael D. Green, Betty M. Huber, David Little, James Bee, and Toon Dictus
On December 2025, after months of negotiation, the EU finalised Directive 2026/47, also known as the Detailed Omnibus Directive (Detailed Directive), which forms part of the first Omnibus package on sustainability. The Detailed Directive has resulted in substantive amendments to