California Senate Bill 261 (the Climate-Related Financial Risk Act; SB 261) requires certain businesses to submit biennial disclosures of climate-related financial risks, as well as the measures they have implemented to reduce such risks.
Insights and Commentary on Global Environmental and Energy Issues
Madeline Orlando focuses her practice on both California state and federal regulatory issues. She works with clients to navigate the California regulatory framework, with a particular focus on Prop 65, environmental, and consumer products regulatory compliance. Her practice also includes advising clients on federal regulatory requirements and compliance, including regulations under the Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Department of Commerce, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Madeline also has litigation experience, representing clients in business and commercial litigation as well as environmental and consumer protection litigation.
California Senate Bill 261 (the Climate-Related Financial Risk Act; SB 261) requires certain businesses to submit biennial disclosures of climate-related financial risks, as well as the measures they have implemented to reduce such risks.…
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
California Senate Bill (SB) 707, also known as the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 (Act), establishes an extended producer responsibly (EPR) program for apparel and textiles, the first such program directed at apparel and textiles in the United States.…
Continue Reading California Creates Extended Producer Responsibility Program for Textiles
On Dec. 5, 2024, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) issued an enforcement notice (Notice) regarding Senate Bill (SB) 253, the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act. In the Notice, CARB…
Continue Reading California Air Resources Board Issues Enforcement Update for Climate Disclosure Laws’ Implementation
On Oct. 14, 2024, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill X2-1 (ABX2-1) into law. The new law expands California Energy Commission (CEC) authority to adopt regulations requiring California refineries…
Continue Reading California Energy Commission Gains Authority to Regulate Refinery Transportation-Fuel Inventories
On Sept. 27, 2024, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 219, delaying implementation of California’s emissions and climate-related financial risk corporate disclosure laws. As we reported…
Continue Reading California Modifies Timetable for Implementation of Climate Disclosure Laws