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.
California’s Cap-and-Trade Is Extended and Becomes ‘Cap-and-Invest’ in Package of New Energy Laws
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
California Enacts New Electric Transmission Financing Programs and Adds to Its Wildfire Fund
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 Enacts SB 237 to Streamline New Oil Well Permits in Kern County and Increase Output
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
California’s New Western Regional Electricity Market and Expanded Renewable Market
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
California Climate Disclosure Laws: Federal Court Denies Request to Block SB 253 and 261; Plaintiffs Appeal
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
Do The Recent California Amendments to Its Environmental Review Statute Offer a Blueprint for Similar Changes in New York?
On June 30, 2025, California Gov. Newsom approved a bill (SB 131) aimed at increasing housing supply and strategic economic development. The bill has sparked controversy among some groups. Critics
Continue Reading Do The Recent California Amendments to Its Environmental Review Statute Offer a Blueprint for Similar Changes in New York?
AB 130 and SB 131: California Legislature Enacts CEQA Reform to Accelerate Housing Development
On June 30, 2025, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills into law (AB 130 and SB 131) that include reform measures to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Continue Reading AB 130 and SB 131: California Legislature Enacts CEQA Reform to Accelerate Housing Development
California Creates Extended Producer Responsibility Program for Textiles
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
Executive Order Targets State Climate Laws, But Existing GHG Permit Requirements Remain Enforceable
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.