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Environment, Land & Resources

Insights and commentary on environmental issues and developments impacting business across the world

Environmental, Social, and Governance

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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
Coal 2

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,”…

European Commission Unveils Two Proposals Impacting the EU Batteries Regulation

Posted on May 28, 2025
Posted in Energy storage, Environmental, Social, and Governance, European Environmental and Public Law
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The proposals are part of the broader “omnibus” initiative and would postpone due diligence obligations and introduce a “small mid-cap” category for in-scope companies.

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

On 21 May 2025, the European Commission (Commission) published two proposals affecting the timeline and scope of the Regulation concerning batteries and waste batteries (the Batteries Regulation, or EUBR), aimed at streamlining compliance and providing clarity for economic operators within the…

Understanding New York’s Proposed Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program: Key Insights and Comparative Analysis

Posted on May 5, 2025
Posted in Air Quality and Climate Change, Environmental Regulation, Environmental, Social, and Governance
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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…

New German Government Takes Office: Key Developments in ESG and Supply Chain Laws

Posted on April 22, 2025
Posted in Environmental, Social, and Governance, European Environmental and Public Law
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The Coalition focuses on reducing regulatory burden in supply chain requirements, achieving net zero by 2045, and voluntary measures in environmental and resource management.

By Axel Schiemann, Stefan Bartz, Joachim Grittmann, and Falko Schmidt

Following the German federal election in February 2025, the new coalition consisting of CDU/CSU and SPD (the Coalition) has reached a coalition agreement, unveiled on April 9, 2025. This agreement marks the culmination of extensive negotiations and sets the agenda for the new…

China Expands Its National Carbon Emission Trading Scheme to More Industries

Posted on April 17, 2025
Posted in Carbon Offsets, China, Environmental, Social, and Governance, Power, Oil, Gas, and Minerals, Voluntary Carbon Markets
GettyImages-498489893_50034

The scheme’s expansion to include the steel, cement, and aluminum smelting industries increases the program’s coverage to 60% of China’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

By Paul A. Davies, JP Brisson, Michael Green, and Qingyi Pan

On March 26, 2025, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (the MEE) published the “Work Plan for the National Carbon Emissions Trading Market Covering the Steel, Cement, and Aluminum Smelting Industries” (the Work Plan).1 The Work Plan expands the scope of…

European Commission Announces Simplifications to the Implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation

Posted on April 16, 2025
Posted in Air Quality and Climate Change, Environmental Regulation, Environmental, Social, and Governance, European Environmental and Public Law
Modern green building with innovative high rise vertical garden

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…

President Trump Issues Executive Order Aiming to Protect American Energy From “State Overreach”

Posted on April 14, 2025
Posted in Energy Regulatory, Environmental, Social, and Governance
Oil, gas industry. Group wellheads and valve armature, Gas valve, Gas well of high pressure against a background of white fluffy flowers

The order addresses various state-level initiatives deemed to burden the US energy sector.

By Betty M. Huber and Austin J. Pierce

On April 8, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled “Protecting American Energy From State Overreach” (the Order). The Order asserts that state and local laws and policies covering various aspects of energy policy undermine American energy dominance and, by extension, national security. In response, Order calls for sweeping action by the federal government to combat such localized…

“Stop the Clock” Directive Grants Delays in Corporate Sustainability Reporting and Due Diligence

Posted on April 14, 2025
Posted in Environmental, Social, and Governance, European Environmental and Public Law
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The European Council has approved the Directive, which offers a temporary relief to companies facing requirements under the CSRD and CSDDD.

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

On 14 April 2025, the European Council formally approved the “Stop the Clock” Directive (the Directive), marking a crucial milestone in the European Union’s efforts to overhaul sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements for businesses. The Directive is the first part of the two-part…

A New Era for Consumer Protection: The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act

Posted on April 5, 2025
Posted in Environmental, Social, and Governance
London skyline seen from the River Thames

An overhaul of the UK consumer law landscape is on the horizon, with the consumer law provisions of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 set to take effect on 6 April 2025.

By Fiona Maclean, David Little, Irina Vasile, and Sean Newhouse

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA) represents a significant shift in the UK’s consumer protection regime. By introducing new enforcement powers and substantive obligations on top of a foundation…

UK Government Issues Updated Modern Slavery Act Transparency Guidance: Key Takeaways for Businesses

Posted on March 31, 2025
Posted in Environmental, Social, and Governance
Modern building facade

The guidance clarifies obligations, shares steps businesses should take, and reinforces reporting to combat modern slavery.

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

On 25 March 2025, the UK Home Office published its updated Transparency in Supply Chains (TISC): Statutory Guidance (the Guidance), which provides new and detailed recommendations to help organisations comply with Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (MSA). The Guidance includes clearer expectations and practical tips designed…

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