On Aug. 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Interior (Interior) adopted a new decision framework for operating Lake Powell and Lake Mead through 2036 and simultaneously issued operating guidelines for 2027 and 2028 (Operating Guidelines). The actions are intended to replace the 2007 Interim Guidelines and other Colorado River water management agreements that expire at the end of 2026.
New Jersey’s REAL rules continue to evolve as NJDEP considers amendments and delays affecting environmental permitting and floodplain development requirements.
On July 11, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, Pub. L. No. 119-101, 140 Stat. 845, became law without the president’s signature. The ROAD Act is an effort to facilitate an improvement in the affordability of housing.
Continue Reading Environmental Provisions of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act
On July 14, 2026, Governor Hochul issued an executive order pausing discretionary DEC permitting for data center construction pending completion of a Generic Environmental Impact Statement, signaling a more structured regulatory framework for large-scale data center development in New York.
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
Consistent with other recent legislative initiatives to address housing scarcity and affordability, the Florida Legislature recently passed the Infill Redevelopment Act.
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 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)