Tag: Energy

Greenwashing

Greenwashing: Lawsuit Charges Oil Companies with False Advertising

On April 22, 2021, Earth Day, New York City (NYC) filed suit in New York Supreme Court against Exxon, Shell, BP, and the American Petroleum Institute. The suit alleges the companies utilize false advertising and deceptive trade practices and made untrue claims about the benefits of using their products (commonly known as “greenwashing” when referring […]

Energy infrastructure

Jennifer Granholm Confirmed as Energy Secretary

The Senate confirmed former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm as the Energy Secretary for the Biden administration on February 25, 2021, by a 64–35 vote.

power plant

The Clean Power Plan (CPP) Is Not Returning

The Biden administration indicated it will not be reviving the Clean Power Plan (CPP), which should bring a sigh of relief for industry, according to a memo issued on February 12, 2021, to EPA regional administrators by Joseph Goffman, the acting assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.

Environmental law and regulation

An Environmental Regulatory Roundup from Midnight Watch

As the United States prepares for President-Elect Joe Biden to take office on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2021, the Trump administration continues to take numerous administrative actions on climate, energy, and environmental issues.  The State Energy & Environmental Impact Center at the New York University School of Law created a “Midnight Watch” website to track […]

EPA building

EPA and Environmental Priorities in the Biden Era

President-Elect Joe Biden has claimed victory in the 2020 presidential election and declared “it is time for America to unite.” Based on many statements from Biden, it is apparent he will reverse many of the Trump administration’s environmental regulations, place higher tax rates on businesses and investments, rejoin the Paris Climate Accord, and commit to […]

A Look at Biden’s Energy Plan

One of the biggest differences in the 2020 presidential candidates is their plan to address climate change. Former Vice President Joe Biden’s energy and climate change plan is extensive. President Donald Trump has not proposed a formal climate change plan.

Power Plant

EPA Finalizes New Power Plant Effluent Limitation Guidelines

The EPA announced final revisions to specific effluent guidelines and standards for “steam electric” power plants on August 31, 2020. The final rule leverages improved and less expensive pollution-control technologies and provides a more flexible implementation approach.

EPA Reverses Coal Plant Mercury Finding, But MATS Stays in Place

In a final action, the Trump EPA has reversed a finding the Agency made in 2000 (and affirmed by the Obama EPA in 2012) that it is appropriate and necessary (A&N) to regulate emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from coal- and oil-fired electric generating units (EGUs) under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act […]

Coal Plant

Small Coal Plants Benefit from MATS Amendment

It has been clear for some time that deregulatory actions at the federal level will slow but not stop the decline of coal as an energy source in the United States. Still, the EPA continues to do what it can to ensure that coal remains a key component of the nation’s energy portfolio.