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Jane McLaughlin

Jane McLaughlin has wide-ranging governmental and legislative experience, with a strong focus on renewable New York State energy and environmental law, policy, and regulatory issues. She represents many renewable energy developers, advising on state and federal policy matters and regularly providing advice and counsel to clients on a broad range of regulatory matters before the New York State Public Service Commission, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting, and the New York Independent System Operator. Prior to joining Greenberg Traurig, she served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for DEC, Legislative Counsel for the New York State Department of Health, and as Legislative Counsel and Committee Director in the New York State Senate. Jane also has served as counsel to the New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officers, working on various matters pertaining to municipal government. In addition to her energy and environmental practice areas, she also advises her clients on a myriad of other policy areas, including transportation, housing, and procurement issues.

New York’s FY 2026–2027 budget reforms SEQRA to accelerate housing and infrastructure through expanded exemptions, updated timelines, and preserved environmental safeguards.
Continue Reading New York’s 2026 Enacted Budget Advances SEQRA Reforms, Promoting Housing Construction and Streamlining Environmental Review Timelines

New York’s 2026 Enacted Budget introduces significant amendments to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, revising greenhouse gas emission targets, updating emissions accounting methodology, and extending the DEC’s regulatory deadline to 2028. Stakeholders with matters before the State may wish to monitor how agencies apply the revised framework, as these changes may materially affect permitting outcomes.
Continue Reading New York Budget Amends the State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act

On April 28, 2026, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation filed a Notice of Adoption to amend 6 NYCRR Part 617, DEC’s State Environmental Quality Review Act regulations.

Continue Reading NY DEC Finalizes SEQRA Regulations to Implement Environmental Justice Siting Law

On Feb. 12, 2026, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) initiated a new proceeding (Case 26-E-0045) to reform how large electricity users connect to the grid. Case 26-E-0045

Continue Reading New York State Public Service Commission Initiates New Proceeding to Address Interconnection Reforms for Large Loads (Energize NY Development) 

On Oct. 24, 2025, the New York Supreme Court, Albany County, issued a decision and order directing the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to issue final regulations establishing economy-wide greenhouse gas emission (GHG) limits on or before Feb. 6, 2026.

Continue Reading Court Requires DEC to Promulgate Regulations in NYS Climate Regulation Case

On Oct. 15, 2025, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released several changes to its environmental remediation program. As part of these changes, DEC has rebranded its work

Continue Reading New York State Environmental Regulator Announces Sustainability Initiative In Connection With Its Remediation and Brownfield Programs

On July 17, 2025, the Public Service Commission (PSC) rescinded the Public Policy Requirement identified in the 2022 PSC proceeding. This action terminated the New York Independent System Operator, Inc.

Continue Reading Citing Change in Federal Policy, New York State Terminates Offshore Wind Transmission Initiative

On April 8, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order titled Protecting American Energy From State Overreach. The order directs the U.S. attorney general to identify and take action against state and local laws “burdening” domestic energy development, especially laws addressing climate change, environmental, social, and government (ESG) initiatives, and environmental justice.

Continue Reading Executive Order Targets State Climate Laws, But Existing GHG Permit Requirements Remain Enforceable