- The PPWR includes sustainability and labelling requirements across the entire packaging life cycle, from production to use and waste management.
- The European Commission has recently released FAQs and implementation guidance to clarify key aspects of PPWR compliance ahead of the 12 August 2026 application date.
- Businesses placing packaging on the EU
UK Government Publishes Final Sustainability and Climate-Related Reporting Standards
UK SRS S1 and S2 are now available for voluntary use, while the UK government considers which companies should be required to report under the new standards.
By Michael D. Green, Nicola Higgs, Betty M. Huber, Anne Mainwaring, James Bee, Toon Dictus, and Sara Sayma
On 25 February 2026, the UK government’s Department of Business and Trade (DBT) published the final UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS), along with feedback to DBT’s June 2025
ESG and Sustainability Insights: 10 Things That Should Be Top of Mind in 2026
This year we expect ESG/sustainability to be influenced by several macro trends, including technology, geopolitics, and capital markets.
By Paul A. Davies, Betty M. Huber, and Michael D. Green
In 2026, we expect that business and legal leaders who successfully disentangle and separate economic, political, and legal risk with a clear strategic focus will be best able to capitalize on ESG/sustainability imperatives.
Interest rates are expected to fall across many key markets, which will likely lead to an
EPA Grants Texas Primacy Over Class VI Carbon Storage Wells
The rule positions the Railroad Commission of Texas as the primary permitting authority over Class VI wells and could expedite CCS projects in the state.
By Joshua T. Bledsoe, Nikki Buffa, Jennifer K. Roy, Nolan Fargo, and Samantha Yeager
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Texas’s application to assume primary enforcement responsibility, or “primacy,” for Class VI underground injection control (UIC) wells within the state. Class VI UIC wells are used for the permanent
New Law Bolsters CCUS Projects in California
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation lifting moratorium on transportation of carbon dioxide by pipeline.
By Joshua T. Bledsoe, Marc T. Campopiano, Brian McCall, and Shawna Strecker
On October 10, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation aimed at boosting California’s carbon capture, removal, utilization and storage (CCUS) market. CCUS involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from point-sources — such as industrial facilities — transporting it, and injecting it into underground geological formations for permanent storage, enhanced oil recovery
EPA Proposes Repeal of GHG Reporting Program, Grants Arizona Primacy for UIC Wells
The agency’s actions have significant implications for the domestic carbon capture and storage industry.
By Joshua T. Bledsoe, Nikki Buffa, Jennifer K. Roy, Nolan Fargo, and Samantha Yeager
In the same week, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took two rulemaking actions with significant implications for the domestic carbon capture and storage (CCS) industry. On September 12, 2025, EPA proposed repealing the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHG Reporting Program), under which CCS projects report their emissions
California Low Carbon Fuel Standard Amendments Take Effect
California’s amended LCFS Regulation took effect on July 1, 2025 as the fuel price impact debate and judicial challenges continue.
By Joshua T. Bledsoe, Tal Carmeli, and Samantha Yeager
On June 27, 2025, the California Office of Administrative Law (OAL) approved the amended Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Regulation, submitted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to the OAL on May 16, 2025. Following OAL’s approval, CARB announced that the amendments would enter into force on
Unpacking the UK-EU Deal: What Lies Ahead for Energy and Carbon Markets?
The agreement promises to unlock market and investment opportunities and facilitate greater UK-EU collaboration.
By Alexander Buckeridge-Hocking, Paul A. Davies, JP Sweny, Evelyne Girio, James Bee, and Isobel Moffatt
The UK and EU reached a landmark agreement at the UK-EU Summit to reintegrate their emissions trading systems (ETS) and explore the recoupling of their electricity markets. These strategic initiatives are intended to streamline operations, stabilise prices, and strengthen energy security across the UK and EU.
EPA Issues Solicitation for Clean Air Act Section 112 Presidential Exemptions
EPA’s electronic mailbox is open for requests from stationary sources until March 31.
By Karl A. Karg, Stacey L. VanBelleghem, and Bruce M. Johnson
In March 2025, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it has set up an electronic mailbox to allow stationary sources to request a presidential exemption from certain standards under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Section 112 requires EPA to establish emission standards for certain stationary sources of hazardous air pollutants. Section 112 also includes a provision that enables the president to exempt stationary sources from compliance with any standard or limitation under Section 112 for up to two years if “the President determines that the technology to implement such standard is not available and that it is in the national security interests of the United States to do so.” 42 U.S.C. § 7412(i)(4). Section 112(i)(4) also provides that such an exemption may be extended “for 1 or more additional periods, each period not to exceed 2 years.”
Southern California Fire Cleanup Considerations for Landowners
Affected landowners may be able to avail themselves of certain protections under state and federal environmental laws.
By Aron Potash and Cody M. Kermanian
In the aftermath of the wildfires in the Los Angeles area in January 2025, a cleanup effort is underway to facilitate the safe return of residents to their homes in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. The federal government is leading the effort in coordination with various state and local agencies, and the government has reported significant progress