2013

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Arizona’s Net Metering Battle Resolved, With Modest Fee Added for Solar

Columbia Climate Law

By Sascha Yim, Guest Blogger*. In the latest development in the country’s unfolding net metering battle, the Arizona Corporation Commission recently ruled that the state’s utility, Arizona Public Service (APS), could impose a $0.70 per kilowatt charge on solar customers beginning in 2014. The decision comes at a time when the future of net metering policy is one of the solar industry’s most hotly debated issues.

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The EU ETS’s most recent challenges

Law Columbia

Teresa Parejo. Associate Professor of Law (Carlos III University). Visiting Scholar at the Center for Climate Change Law. The EU ETS (European Union Emissions Trading System), the most important EU tool to fight against climate change, is now facing two challenges of great significance: 1. In October 2013, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly agreed to develop a global market-based mechanism (MBM) by 2016 addressing international aviation emissions and to apply it by 202

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Texas Legislature Allows Saltwater Pipeline Operators to Build Pipelines Along Public Roadways for Disposal of Fracking and Other Drilling Wastewater

The Energy Law Blog

By Jillian Marullo Senate Bill 514, signed into law on June 14, 2013, authorizes saltwater pipeline operators in Texas “to install, maintain, and operate” saltwater pipelines “through, under, along, across, or over a public road” in order to transport the wastewater produced by hydraulic fracturing operations to disposal sites. The bill, which was introduced by Sen.

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Stewardship of Public Lands and Cultural Resources in the Tennessee Valley: A Critique of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s “New Deal”

Vermont Law

. Stewardship of Public Lands and Cultural Resources in the Tennessee Valley: A Critique of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s “New Deal”. .

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How to Drive Cost Savings, Efficiency Gains, and Sustainability Wins with MES

Speaker: Nikhil Joshi, Founder & President of Snic Solutions

Is your manufacturing operation reaching its efficiency potential? A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) could be the game-changer, helping you reduce waste, cut costs, and lower your carbon footprint. Join Nikhil Joshi, Founder & President of Snic Solutions, in this value-packed webinar as he breaks down how MES can drive operational excellence and sustainability.

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New Texas Law Encourages Recycling of Wastewater From Oil and Gas Operations by Clarifying Ownership and Limiting Tort Liability

The Energy Law Blog

By Jillian Marullo House Bill 2767, which took effect on September 1, 2013, was enacted to encourage recycling of the wastewater produced in hydraulic fracturing (or “fracking”) and other oil and gas operations. A hotly contested issue is the consumption of water by fracking activities. Fracking involves the injection of several millions of gallons of water, combined with sand and small amounts of chemicals, into underground formations to fracture the rock in order to release deposits of oil and

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Environmental Impact Statements Addressing Resiliency and Adaptation

Law Columbia

Ethan I. Strell, Associate Director & Fellow. Columbia Center for Climate Change Law. In a subtle but meaningful shift, the environmental impact review process in New York City is beginning to more systematically consider the potential effects of a changing climate on proposed projects, not just the effects that a project might have on the environment.

More Trending

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New Texas Legislation Authorizes TCEQ to Permit Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The Energy Law Blog

By Jillian Marullo House Bill 788, signed into law on June 14, 2013, authorizes the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (“TCEQ”) to regulate emissions of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases (“GHG”) “[t]o the extent that greenhouse gas emissions require authorization under federal law.” The legislation gives TCEQ the authority to issue permits authorizing GHG emissions and develop rules governing the permitting process as well as rules for transitioning the process away from the

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Ninth Circuit Rejects Constitutional Challenge to California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard

Law Columbia

by Shelley Welton, Deputy Director & Fellow. In what can only be interpreted as a major victory for California, the Ninth Circuit ruled on Wednesday, September 19 in Rocky Mountain Farmers Union v. Corey that the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) was neither discriminatory nor extraterritorial under the dormant Commerce Clause, reversing the district court opinion.

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Louisiana’s New Twenty-Day Deadline for Hydraulic Fracturing Reporting Requirements

The Energy Law Blog

By Sarah Y. Dicharry On July 20, 2013, the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources amended its reporting and disclosure requirements for hydraulic fracturing stimulation operations. 39 La. Reg. 1824 (July 20, 2013). The amendment does not significantly alter the substance of the reporting requirements, but it imposes a new twenty-day reporting deadline (required by a 2012 statutory amendment).

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Regulating Imports into RGGI: Toward a Legal, Workable Solution

Law Columbia

On August 21, CCCL released a new white paper that evaluates the legal workability and constitutionality of regulating imports into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or “RGGI” (for background on RGGI, the Northeastern states’ cap-and-trade program for carbon dioxide, see prior posts ). RGGI is currently in an exciting period of reform. In February 2013, participating states announced plans to lower RGGI’s cap on carbon dioxide emissions by 45% in 2014.

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The Key to Sustainable Energy Optimization: A Data-Driven Approach for Manufacturing

Speaker: Kevin Kai Wong, President of Emergent Energy Solutions

In today's industrial landscape, the pursuit of sustainable energy optimization and decarbonization has become paramount. ♻️ Manufacturing corporations across the U.S. are facing the urgent need to align with decarbonization goals while enhancing efficiency and productivity. Unfortunately, the lack of comprehensive energy data poses a significant challenge for manufacturing managers striving to meet their targets. 📊 Join us for a practical webinar hosted by Kevin Kai Wong of Emergent Ene

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Fifth Circuit Vacates $6 Million Clean Water Act Penalty

The Energy Law Blog

By Greg Johnson and Stephen Wiegand In a July 17, 2013 decision, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated a $6 million dollar penalty levied under the Clean Water Act (“CWA”) against CITGO Petroleum Corporation (“CITGO”) and remanded the matter to the Western District of Louisiana for further consideration. See U.S. v. CITGO Petroleum Corp., Case No. 11-31117 (5th Cir.

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You Cannot Just Read the Regulations to Understand Stormwater Permitting for Oil and Gas Activities!

The Energy Law Blog

By Carlos J. Moreno and Robert E. Holden EPA’s most recent NPDES regulations for stormwater permitting of oil and gas facilities were vacated by the Ninth Circuit in 2008 and new regulations have not been promulgated. To understand the stormwater permit requirements for oil and gas activities, you need to review not only the regulations that remain in force, but also the Clean Water Act as amended by the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

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The Good Neighbor Provision on Steroids: Third Circuit Ruling Resurrects Clean Air Act Section 126(b)

The Energy Law Blog

By Lesley Foxhall Pietras A recent opinion by the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has breathed new life into Clean Air Act Section 126(b), which allows downwind state and local governments to petition the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) for immediate relief from interstate pollution caused by a major source (or a group of sources) in an upwind state.

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EU Parliament Vote Renews Hope for Future of EU Emissions Trading Scheme

Law Columbia

By Yan Gu, Summer Intern. The European Parliament recently voted through a temporary plan to delay the auction of hundreds of millions of EU emission allowances (EUAs) for several years, in order to avoid flooding the market with new allowances while prices are near historic lows. This decision allows what is known as the “back-loading” proposal to proceed to further negotiations with the European Council to reach a commonly approved text that could become law in the future.

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Implementing D.E.J.I. Strategies in Energy, Environment, and Transportation

Speaker: Antoine M. Thompson, Executive Director of the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition

Diversity, Equity, Justice, and Inclusion (DEJI) policies, programs, and initiatives are critically important as we move forward with public and private sector climate and sustainability goals and plans. Underserved and socially, economically, and racially disadvantaged communities bear the burden of pollution, higher energy costs, limited resources, and limited investments in the clean energy and transportation sectors.

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Update: Supreme Court Will Review EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule

The Energy Law Blog

By Lesley Foxhall Pietras On June 24, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the petitions for writs of certiorari filed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the American Lung Association in the litigation involving EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (“CSAPR”). The CSAPR sets limits on sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from power plants in 28 upwind states in the eastern part of the country.

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D.C. Circuit Upholds EPA Authority to Retroactively Veto CWA Section 404 Permits Issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The Energy Law Blog

By Bob Holden and Jillian Marullo On April 23, 2013, in a case of first impression, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals held that the EPA’s veto authority under section 404(c) of the Clean Water Act (CWA), 33 U.S.C.§ 134(c), “clearly and unambiguously” includes the power to retroactively revoke portions of a Section 404 dredge and fill permit issued by the U.S.

2013 40
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EPA to Improve Oil and Gas Sector Air Emissions Data in Response to Inspector General’s Report

The Energy Law Blog

By Lesley Foxhall Pietras On April 18, 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) committed to improving air emissions data for the oil and natural gas production sector. EPA made this commitment in response to the Office of Inspector General’s February 20, 2013 report, “EPA Needs to Improve Air Emissions Data for the Oil and Natural Gas Production Sector” (pdf) (Report).

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Louisiana Adopts EPA Revision to Condensable PM Requirements in its Definition of “Regulated NSR Pollutants”

The Energy Law Blog

On October 25, 2012 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its corrected definition of “regulated NSR pollutant.” The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) adopted EPA’s revised definition of “regulated new source review (NSR) pollutant” at LAC 33:III.509.B in a May 20, 2013 Louisiana Register Notice. 39 La. Reg. 1280 (May 20, 2013).

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Shaping a Resilient Future: Climate Impact on Vulnerable Populations

Speaker: Laurie Schoeman Director, Climate & Sustainability, Capital

As households and communities across the nation face challenges such as hurricanes, wildfires, drought, extreme heat and cold, and thawing permafrost and flooding, we are increasingly searching for ways to mitigate and prevent climate impacts. During this event, national climate and housing expert Laurie Schoeman will discuss topics including: The two paths for climate action: decarbonization and adaptation.

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BP Victory in Legacy Case Becomes Final

The Energy Law Blog

In a legacy case defended by Liskow & Lewis, the Louisiana Supreme Court recently denied Plaintiff-landowners’ writ application seeking review of an opinion of the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal that affirmed a unanimous jury verdict in favor of BP. Houssiere v. ASCO USA, 12-791 (La. App. 3 Cir. 1/16/13), 108 So. 3d 797. The Houssiere plaintiffs brought breach of contract and tort claims against BP under Act 312 for alleged contamination of property caused by historic oil and gas op

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EPA Grants Reconsideration of Certain Oil and Gas Storage Tank NSPS Provisions Issued in August 2012

The Energy Law Blog

By Stephen W. Wiegand On August 16, 2012, EPA issued new source performance standards (NSPSs) for the oil and gas sector. The standards applied to various sources including storage tanks used in crude oil and natural gas production. On April 12, 2013, EPA announced proposed amendments to the rule pertaining to storage tanks. The proposed rule clarifies that the new NSPS standard applies only to vessels containing crude oil, condensate, intermediate hydrocarbon liquids, or produced water ( i.e. ,

2012 40
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OCS Operators Need to Consider EPCRA Reporting in their Release Reporting Plans

The Energy Law Blog

By Robert E. Holden The recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in Center for Biological Diversity, Inc. v. BP America Production Co., et al , no. 12-30136 (5th Cir. Jan. 9, 2013) (“ CBD ”), reversed in part the district court’s dismissal of citizen suit claims against BP in connection with the Deepwater Horizon incident, upholding the citizen suit cause of action seeking to have BP submit EPCRA reports regarding the Macondo spill.

2013 40
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Air Permitting Update: EPA Ignores Summit Outside Sixth Circuit

The Energy Law Blog

By Lesley Foxhall Pietras On December 21, 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a policy announcement addressing how it will deal with source aggregation following the Sixth Circuit’s decision in Summit Petroleum Corp. v. EPA, 690 F.3d 733 (6th Cir. Aug. 7, 2012). (Our previous blog entry on this decision is available here.) In Summit , the Sixth Circuit concluded that the term “adjacent” implies only physical proximity, and EPA’s consideration of functional interrelatedness to

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Sustainability at Retail

Sustainability impacts every nation, company, and person around the world. So much so that, in 2015, the United Nations (UN) issued a call for action by all countries to work toward sustainable development. In response to this and as part of a global Sustainability at Retail initiative, Shop! worked collaboratively with its global affiliates to address these critical issues in this white paper.

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DOI Promulgates a New Final Rule for Increased Safety Measures on the OCS

The Energy Law Blog

By Sarah Y. Dicharry and Robert E. Holden After Deepwater Horizon, the President directed the Secretary of the Interior to develop a report concerning safety on the Outer Continental Shelf (“OCS”). In response, the Secretary of the Interior drafted a report entitled, “Increased Safety Measures for Energy Development on the Outer Continental Shelf,” which recommended a number of actions to increase safety.

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Australian and United States Law of Aboriginal Land Rights: A Comparative Perspective

Vermont Law

. Australian and United States Law of Aboriginal Land Rights: A Comparative Perspective. .

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The Implications of G.E. v. Joiner for Admissibility of Expert Testimony

Vermont Law

. The Implications of G.E. v. Joiner for Admissibility of Expert Testimony. .

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Legal Policies Surrounding the Degradation of Indonesia’s Forests

Vermont Law

. Legal Policies Surrounding the Degradation of Indonesia’s Forests. .

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Volume 1 • Issue 1

Vermont Law

. Volume 1 • Issue 1. .

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