Continue Reading CARB Advances SB 253 Rulemaking, Flags Key Issues for 2027 Emissions Reporting
Insights and Commentary on Global Environmental and Energy Issues
Thomas R. Brill has deep legal and management experience in the energy industry and has represented clients in virtually every electricity and natural gas restructuring proceeding in California for over three decades. Tom also has comprehensive experience in regulatory litigation, as well as strategy and policy development to address rapidly changing laws, regulations, and market dynamics as well as technological disruptions that are leading to significant changes in the energy industry. Tom also has comprehensive experience addressing issues related to the integration of central station and distributed renewable generation, including electricity storage, smart grid technologies, and the impacts of utility rate design and cost allocation on competitive entry by third party providers and utility stranded cost exposure.
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Continue Reading CARB Advances SB 253 Rulemaking, Flags Key Issues for 2027 Emissions Reporting
On Feb. 26, 2026, the California Air Resources Board adopted its initial regulations implementing SB 253 and SB 261, the California Greenhouse Gas Reporting and Climate Financial Risk Disclosure Initial Regulation.…
On Nov. 18, 2026, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued a preliminary injunction enjoining the enforcement of California’s SB 261, which had an initial…
Continue Reading Ninth Circuit Pauses Looming California SB 261 Compliance Deadline; CARB Clarifies Related Guidance
Some companies that do business in California are facing rapidly approaching compliance deadlines under California’s climate disclosure laws, SB 253 and SB 261, the first of which will occur on…
Continue Reading New California Climate Disclosure Law Deadlines Are Rapidly Approaching: Compliance Considerations for Companies
At the end of its legislative session, the California legislature passed AB 1207 and SB 840 to extend and introduce new measures for California’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions Cap-and-Trade program.
Continue Reading California’s Cap-and-Trade Is Extended and Becomes ‘Cap-and-Invest’ in Package of New Energy Laws
The state of California has adopted SB 254, a comprehensive energy bill designed to reform the state’s utility regulation and development of clean energy infrastructure, with the goal of reducing electricity costs, improving wildfire safety, and accelerating the state’s transition to clean energy.
Continue Reading California Enacts New Electric Transmission Financing Programs and Adds to Its Wildfire Fund
California faces refinery closures, high fuel costs, and reduced oil demand, the combination of which have contributed to concerns regarding potential impacts on price volatility.
Continue Reading California Enacts SB 237 to Streamline New Oil Well Permits in Kern County and Increase Output
The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) currently operates an electricity grid that is largely limited to the state of California.…
Continue Reading California’s New Western Regional Electricity Market and Expanded Renewable Market
On Aug. 13, 2025, a federal court in California denied a request to temporarily block California’s Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (SB 253) and Climate-Related Financial Risk Act (SB 261). The laws remain in effect as the legal process continues, with initial compliance deadlines approaching in 2026.
Continue Reading California Climate Disclosure Laws: Federal Court Denies Request to Block SB 253 and 261; Plaintiffs Appeal
On Jan. 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order (EO) declaring a National Energy Emergency, aiming to enhance domestic energy resource development and critical minerals capacity. The…
Continue Reading National Energy Emergency Declaration May Accelerate Traditional Energy Infrastructure Projects