In 2023, New York State amended its laws to require updates to New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (Uniform Code) and the State Energy Conservation Construction Code
Insights and Commentary on Global Environmental and Energy Issues
In 2023, New York State amended its laws to require updates to New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (Uniform Code) and the State Energy Conservation Construction Code…
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?
Renewable energy generation and transmission projects often face the challenge of mitigating the impacts on endangered and threatened species when project development results in the destruction of critical habitat. The…
Continue Reading NYSDEC Finalizes Endangered and Threatened Species Mitigation Bank Fund Regulations
On July 17, 2025, the Public Service Commission (PSC) rescinded the Public Policy Requirement identified in the 2022 PSC proceeding.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
New York’s legislature has passed significant amendments to New York’s Environmental Conservation Law concerning the Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site Remedial Program—commonly referred to as the State Superfund program.…
NYC Local Law 97 establishes strict carbon emissions limits for large buildings throughout New York City. This blog post examines LL97’s legal implications, including compliance strategies, enforcement risks, and the broader impact on the real estate market.…
Continue Reading NYC Local Law 97 Emissions Limits Take Effect. Now What?
On April 16, 2025, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a formal director’s order instructing Empire Offshore Wind LLC to cease…
Continue Reading When Is a Final Approval Not the Final Word? Empire Wind Halt Raises Questions About Managing Risk for Previously Approved Infrastructure Projects
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.…
On Jan. 29, 2025, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) proposed amendments to its State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) (6 NYCRR Part 617) and the Uniform…
Continue Reading NY DEC Proposes Environmental Justice-Focused Amendments to SEQRA and UPA—Potential Impacts on Project Permitting
In the recent case of Fresh Air for the Eastside, Inc. v. State of New York (decided July 26, 2024), the plaintiffs sought to compel enforcement of the state’s newly…
Continue Reading Clarifying the Scope of New York’s Green Amendment